A Russian daredevil couple known for high-risk urban climbing appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on July 2, 2026, one day after scaling the Empire State Buildingâs spire in a highly publicized stunt that combined trespassing with a marriage proposal. Angela (Angelina) Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov (also known as Ivan Beerkus or Beerkus), 32, were formally charged with reckless endangerment, burglary, criminal mischief, and additional counts. They did not enter a plea and were granted supervised release, with their next court date set for August 24.
The pair, who currently reside in East Orange, New Jersey, spent their first night as an engaged couple in separate holding cells after police brought them down from the iconic Midtown Manhattan skyscraper. They appeared in court still wearing the black clothing seen during the climb. Their attorney, Jason Krinsky, argued that prosecutors had âoverchargedâ the case and noted that Empire State Building officials themselves stated there was no risk or danger to tenants, observation-deck guests, or anyone else inside the building. Nevertheless, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described body-camera footage of the officersâ response as âharrowing,â emphasizing that police had to put themselves at risk to safely remove the climbers.
According to the criminal complaint and investigative sources, the couple did not simply walk into the restricted area on the day of the stunt. Authorities believe they entered the Empire State Building the previous evening (Tuesday night) using tickets and then hid overnight inside the structure. At approximately 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, security cameras captured them moving through a hatch on the 102nd floor. Investigators say they used tools to loosen brackets and gain access to a stairwell. A lock on a security door leading to the 104th floorâproviding access to the broadcasting antenna more than 1,300 feet above street levelâhad been broken.
Once outside on the spire, the pair unfurled a banner that read: âWhen the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.â Video captured Kuznetsov dropping to one knee and proposing to Nikolau as they descended from the 1,454-foot antenna. The NYPDâs Emergency Service Unit climbed the structure to assist in bringing them down safely. The couple was taken into custody without reported resistance. Kuznetsov later told detectives he wanted to âdo something special for his engagement.â After leaving court on Thursday, the newly engaged pair shared a kiss for cameras as they entered the Chambers Street subway station. When asked about marrying in New York City, Nikolau replied, âI hope so.â
Nikolau and Kuznetsov are well-known in the ârooftoppingâ and free-climbing community. Originally from Moscow, they have documented climbs of some of the worldâs tallest structures without ropes or safety equipment. Their relationship and high-altitude exploits were the subject of the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story. Nikolauâs father, a Russian circus artist, told media that the couple is already married and suggested the Empire State Building event was part of a performance. Security experts described the operation as involving prior surveillance rather than a spontaneous act.
In a statement, the Empire State Building management emphasized that at no time was there danger to tenants, visitors, or observation-deck guests, and noted that the building itself offers legitimate venues for memorable marriage proposals. Previous unauthorized climbs of the antenna and related structures have occurred, though actor Jared Leto was granted permission in 2023 to ascend to the base of the antenna for promotional purposes.
The couple remains free under supervised release conditions pending their next court appearance in late August 2026. Prosecutors continue to investigate the full details of how the pair gained access and executed the climb.
Source: ABC7 New York