Two climbers were arrested Wednesday after reaching the uppermost section of the Empire State Building, far beyond the areas tourists can access, in what appeared to be a marriage proposal stunt.
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, identified as Russian rooftoppers known for executing similar high-altitude stunts in Los Angeles and Tianjin, China, scaled the iconic Manhattan structure while dressed in black with covered faces. They unfurled a large black banner reading: "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace."
The building's spire sits 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan, well beyond the public observation decks. Investigators have not disclosed how the pair gained access to the uppermost section or navigated the interior infrastructure to reach such heights.
New York police said charges remained pending as the investigation continued. CBS News later reported the duo faced multiple charges, including burglary, criminal trespass, and reckless endangerment.
Author James Rodriguez: "Rooftop proposals make for viral headlines, but scaling a protected landmark this way crosses from stunt into serious crime. The fact that authorities still aren't sure how they got up there raises real security questions."
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