Story Content

Russian daredevils Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus (aka Ivan Kuznetsov), who have perfected the art of daredevil rooftopping tricks, are being held after performing a bold stunt atop the Empire State Building. The two ascended the capped-off 1,454-foot-high spire without using any harnesses on July 1, 2026, unfurled a black banner reading “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace," and celebrated with a marriage proposal.

They tatted up in black and were ready to pose for pictures and kisses before police stepped in. On charges of trespassing, burglary, and reckless endangerment, the NYPD arrested them. They have been released on supervised release later on.

The viral stunt has raised discussions about mushroom hunting, safety, and love. The story of love has taken an iconic New York landmark as the backdrop, and the couple have been spotted risking their lives during climbs all over the world—and potentially facing legal penalties for their illegal ascent of the famous skyscraper.