Russian climbers arrested after Empire State Building proposal climb
Al Jazeera reported that Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau scaled the New York landmark and dangled from its spire before being arrested.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
1 min read
Two Russian climbers were arrested after scaling the Empire State Building in New York during a marriage proposal stunt, according to Al Jazeera. The climb drew attention because it involved one of the city’s best-known landmarks and a pair already known for high-altitude climbing.
Al Jazeera identified the climbers as Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau. The outlet reported that the couple climbed the building on Wednesday and dangled from its spire as part of the proposal.
The Empire State Building was described by Al Jazeera as a 1,500-foot structure. The report did not give details on how the pair accessed the building, how long the climb lasted or what charges, if any, they may face.
Beerkus and Nikolau are featured in Netflix’s documentary “Skywalkers,” according to Al Jazeera. The documentary connection has made the pair recognizable beyond climbing circles, but the reported incident centered on their actions at the New York skyscraper.
Al Jazeera characterized the climb as a daredevil proposal. No injuries were reported in the account, and the report did not include statements from the couple, police or Empire State Building management.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.