Russian rooftopers arrested after climbing Empire State Building

On July 1, 2026, 33-year-old Angela Nikolau and 32-year-old Ivan Kuznetsov (also known as Ivan Beerkus) climbed to the antenna of the Empire State Building in New York City. The pair, known internationally as 'rooftoppers,' scaled the 443-meter structure without safety equipment or official permission. Once at the top, they displayed a banner with the message, 'When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.' During the incident, Nikolau and Kuznetsov also performed an engagement proposal. New York police responded by temporarily closing streets and using emergency teams to manage the situation. Authorities believe the duo gained access through a restricted 103rd-floor hatch. The climbers were taken into custody upon their descent and now face multiple charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass. The couple previously gained notoriety through the 2024 Netflix documentary, 'Skywalkers: A Love Story.