Daredevils who scaled Empire State Building facing MULTIPLE charges after flying protest banner and sky-high proposal at 1,454 feet
Two masked daredevils who climbed to the top of the Empire State Building with a protest banner before one of them knelt down in a dramatic bid now face multiple charges.
Angela Nikolau, 33, and Vanya Beerkus, 32, were detained after their flamboyant demonstration on Wednesday afternoon.
The Russian couple was hit with a slew of charges, including theft, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, violation of local ordinances, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct and possession of burglar’s tools, ABC News reported.
Thrill seekers were ushered out of the New York Police Department precinct in Midtown Wednesday night.
Beerkus was seen dressed in black and handcuffed as two police officers escorted him out of the building and into a white van.
Nikolau followed with a black-clad grin as the two officers directed him to the same white vehicle.
The 33-year-old had a cheeky grin on his face as he sat inside the white van.
Nikolau and Beerkus are being transported to Manhattan Criminal Court where they will face a judge for arraignment.
A pair of masked daredevils were spotted climbing to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday.
Ivan Beerkus is being transported in handcuffs in New York. He was detained by police after unfurling a pro-peace banner atop the Empire State Building.
Angela Nikolau was transported to New York after climbing to the top of the massive building before getting engaged to Beerkus.
The duo climbed the New York City landmark’s astounding tower, which reached 1,454 feet.
As the brave men held on, they unfurled a banner that read: ‘The world knows peace when the power of love overcomes the love of power.’
The message appears to be a modified quote from British politician William Gladstone and is often incorrectly attributed to rock star Jimi Hendrix.
The climbers, who waved the banner at noon, began their descent just after 12.30pm and reached a lower platform, where Beerkus got down on one knee and proposed.
Nikolau appeared to say ‘yes’ to the surprising proposal as a helicopter circled the building, capturing the couple embracing and taking off their masks to kiss.
The influencer posted a video from atop the Empire State Building around noon.
The stunt couple, known for climbing skyscrapers, starred in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.
Nikolau filmed himself climbing tall buildings and performing gruesome acts while wearing a black cat face cover-up.
Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau attend Netflix’s Skywalkers: A Love Story Tribeca Film Festival Premiere
Angela Nikolau, a bold influencer, posts videos of herself climbing tall buildings while wearing a black cat-face cover-up. He often shoots with musician Vanya Beerkus
After the descent began around 12:30 p.m., Beerkus proposed to Nikolau on the lower deck of the tower, and as the two embraced and kissed, Nikolau appeared to say yes.
Nikolau posted a series of photos of the couple atop the Empire State Building, including a photo of the proposal and her flashy diamond ring.
As the Empire State Building’s observation deck was quickly cleared, tourists and onlookers watched in amazement as the scene unfolded above them.
Nikolau shared a video of himself atop the Empire State Building around noon
The New York City Police Department arrived on the scene and the couple was arrested around 1 p.m.
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She is often videotaped and photographed atop monstrously tall buildings with the musician Beerkus.
Nikolau posted a series of photos of the couple shortly after the show, including a photo of the proposal and her flashy new diamond ring.
The New York City Police Department arrived at the scene and the couple was taken into custody around 1 p.m.
As the Empire State Building’s observation deck was quickly cleared, tourists and onlookers watched in amazement at what was happening above them.
Witness Julie Morris told CBS: ‘We were right at the top. I could see two people opening the gates—the mesh gates—and climbing up the hill.
‘I just assumed they were allowed up there.’
On the street below the iconic building, police had taped off the area and closed the street.
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