Angelina Nikolau, 33, known as Angela, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, appeared in court on 2/7 facing felony charges. A day earlier, they bypassed the security system of the Empire State Building in New York to hang a banner and propose atop the tower, at a height of about 443 meters.

The couple faces charges including trespassing, reckless endangerment, and property damage, potentially leading to up to 7 years in prison if convicted.

Following their arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court, both were released on court-ordered supervision due to the dangerous nature of their reckless actions. They are scheduled to return to court on 24/8.

Angelina Nikolau posted photos of her boyfriend's proposal on her personal Instagram.

In court, prosecutors stated the couple, from Moscow and residing in New Jersey, are social media content creators known for dangerous stunts, including trespassing in restricted areas of commercial buildings, dangling from rooftops, and free-climbing skyscrapers.

According to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Ivan later told the New York Police Department (NYPD) that he wanted to "do something special for the proposal."

Outside the courtroom, the couple's attorney, Jason Krinsky, argued that the District Attorney's Office had "overcharged" his clients. He quipped that it was a unique proposal and "at least you have to give him credit for his boldness."

Hiding overnight to climb the tower's peak

The unauthorized entry into one of New York City's most iconic structures occurred around noon on 1/7.

Law enforcement sources indicated the couple posed as tourists to enter the building the day before, then hid after it closed. Security camera footage showed them concealed within the observatory complex. In the early hours of 1/7, Angela was seen emerging from a floor hatch, appearing in the observatory area near the top of the building.

Sources added that the couple then bypassed a gate secured with a cable lock, cutting two padlocks on the 104th floor. Seconds after 12 p.m., the 911 emergency line received the first call reporting the incident.

After climbing to the top of the antenna mast, approximately 443 meters high, the couple unfurled a banner stating, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." They then descended to a platform, where Ivan knelt and proposed to Angela.

Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov climbed the antenna mast to unfurl a banner. *Photo: Instagram*

According to the indictment, the building's rooftop broadcast antenna – which emits high-frequency radio waves strong enough to harm humans – had to be temporarily shut down for about 30 minutes so New York Police Department (NYPD) Emergency Service Unit officers could safely access the couple.

Officers then, wearing safety harnesses, ascended approximately 381 meters above ground to bring them down. The indictment also noted that a padlock on a security door on the 104th floor was damaged, with estimated costs of USD 2,000.

According to Commander Michael LiPetri, prosecuting the couple with felony charges serves as a clear warning against similar acts. "Actions like these will have consequences," he stated.

Investigators believe the couple also sought social media profit and publicity to promote a new documentary. They starred in the 2024 documentary *Skywalkers: A Love Story*.

Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov embraced before the media after their court appearance. *Photo: Reuters*

After the 2/7 court session, when asked by media about the banner's message, Ivan replied, "Because we believe in love." The couple then shared a passionate kiss for the cameras.

(CNN, Nypost)