On 1/7, US media helicopters captured a man and a woman, dressed in black, clinging to the top of the Empire State Building's antenna spire. They unfurled a banner proclaiming, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will have peace," seemingly without any safety equipment.

Images from the scene showed the man kneeling to propose at the base of the antenna tower. The woman accepted, and the two embraced and kissed atop the 102-story building, which stands approximately 443 meters tall.

The individuals were identified as Vanya Beerkus and Angela Nikolau, both Russian citizens. They were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, known for their passion for adventure and conquering skyscrapers without safety ropes.

Vanya Beerkus and Angela Nikolau climbed the Empire State Building antenna spire on 1/7. Video: X/Fox4

New York Police Department (NYPD) officers, equipped with specialized climbing gear, were deployed to the scene. They approached the two Russians, informing them they were not permitted to be there. Police then escorted the couple down without resistance.

Local officials confirmed that Vanya Beerkus and Angela Nikolau reside in New Jersey. They were arrested and face 8 charges, including: trespassing, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and possession of burglary tools.

Investigators are working to clarify how the two suspects accessed the antenna spire area, which is off-limits to visitors.

The two individuals displayed a peace banner and proposed on the Empire State Building's antenna spire. *NY Daily*

A spokesperson for the Empire State Building management described the event as an "unauthorized intrusion." A building representative joked that the couple should have opted for the building's official proposal package, priced at just USD 1,000, instead of risking a climb up the antenna spire.

Dmitriy Nikolau, a Russian circus artist and Angela's father, stated he was aware of his daughter's plan. He commented that climbing rooftops is "normal in any country, including the US."

Beerkus and Nikolau have a long-standing reputation on social media for their high-rise climbs. On her personal account, Angela describes herself as an "artist exploring identity, fear, and freedom," aiming to "push the limits of what is accepted in art."

By Thanh Danh (Sources: NY Daily, Al Jazeera, Reuters)