The daredevil couple who shocked New York Metropolis by scaling the Empire State Constructing‘s antenna for a sky-high marriage proposal are actually dealing with a protracted checklist of prison costs. Ivan Kuznetsov (also called Beerkus) and Angela Nikolau appeared in courtroom Thursday after authorities accused them of illegally accessing restricted areas of one of many world’s most well-known buildings earlier than climbing 1000’s of toes above Manhattan. The pair, who gained worldwide consideration via Netflix’s “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” allegedly carried out the stunt to rejoice their engagement.
Sources informed ABC Information that Nikolau and Kuznetsov entered the Empire State Constructing as common guests Tuesday night after buying tickets to the statement deck. Moderately than leaving when the attraction closed, authorities consider the pair secretly remained inside in a single day. At roughly 5 a.m. Wednesday, safety cameras allegedly captured the couple rising via a hatch on the constructing’s 102nd ground as they continued making their means towards the restricted antenna space.
Authorities allege the pair then climbed the Empire State Constructing’s 1,454-foot broadcast antenna earlier than unfurling a black banner that learn, “When the ability of affection beats the love of energy the world is aware of peace.” After displaying the banner, the couple reportedly descended to a decrease ledge the place Beerkus proposed to Nikolau excessive above the New York Metropolis skyline.
Pictures later shared on social media confirmed the engagement ring and proposal happening a whole bunch of toes above the town beneath.
Because the authorized fallout continues, members of the couple’s household have supplied a unique perspective on the controversial climb. Chatting with ABC Information, Nikolau’s father, Dmitry Nikolau, claimed the pair have been already married earlier than the proposal happened.
He additionally described the extremely publicized climb as a “efficiency,” suggesting the occasion could have been meant as greater than only a conventional marriage proposal.
The Romantic Gesture Shortly Turned Into An Arrest
Whereas the proposal generated viral consideration on-line, legislation enforcement officers considered the state of affairs a lot in another way.
Based on stories, emergency personnel have been pressured to attend roughly half-hour for the antenna to be powered down earlier than starting a rescue operation. Emergency Companies Unit officers finally intercepted the couple whereas they have been descending from the construction.
Investigators additionally allegedly found a damaged lock on a safety door resulting in the constructing’s restricted-access 104th ground, an space that gives entry to the antenna and isn’t open to the general public.
Authorities subsequently charged Beerkus and Nikolau with felony reckless endangerment, housebreaking, and several other extra offenses.
Netflix Daredevils Are No Strangers To Harmful Climbs
Lengthy earlier than their Empire State Constructing arrest, Kuznetsov and Nikolau constructed a world following via movies documenting their climbs of skyscrapers and landmarks around the globe.
The pair grew to become the main target of Netflix’s 2024 documentary, “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” which chronicled each their relationship and their ardour for excessive city exploration.
Recognized for scaling huge buildings with out security tools, the couple has attracted tens of millions of viewers on-line via their high-risk adventures.
The Couple Stays Defiant Following Their Arrest
After spending Wednesday evening in custody, the Russian nationals appeared in Manhattan prison courtroom Thursday.
Though they largely remained quiet whereas leaving the courthouse, Beerkus briefly addressed reporters. “We consider in love,” he stated.
Their lawyer, Jason Krinsky, additionally defended the proposal whereas chatting with the media. “What a option to suggest, one thing you possibly can solely dream of,” Krinsky stated. “So that you’ve acquired to, you recognize, give him some credit score for that.”
Empire State Constructing Responds To The Viral Stunt
Following the incident, representatives for the Empire State Constructing emphasised that guests and tenants have been by no means in peril.
In a press release supplied after the climb, a spokesperson described the state of affairs as an “unauthorized incident” that was resolved via cooperation with the NYPD. “There was at no time hazard to tenants, guests, and Empire State Constructing Statement Deck friends,” the spokesperson stated.
The consultant additionally identified that {couples} hoping for a memorable engagement don’t essentially want to interrupt the foundations. “It’s to be emphasised that the Empire State Constructing Statement Deck, atop the World’s Most Well-known Constructing within the middle of New York Metropolis, does provide a sensible means for essentially the most memorable marriage proposals.”
For now, the couple’s breathtaking engagement story has turn out to be each a viral sensation and a prison case, with prosecutors arguing that their pursuit of a once-in-a-lifetime proposal got here at a major value.
