Two people are in custody after scaling the 1,450-foot-tall Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday, unveiling a pro-love, pro-peace banner.
Their flag, attached to the building’s antenna, read, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” The phrase is commonly attributed to the late guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
It was later revealed that the couple, both of whom were donning all-black outfits and black masks, are Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, known for their daredevil stunts around the world.
The incident began around noon, and after about 30 minutes, the self-proclaimed “rooftopper” duo began to descend from the top of the building’s transmission tower.
The death-defying stunt appeared to be partly an act of love, complete with an engagement.
Upon reaching one of the lower platforms on the tower, Mr. Beerkus dropped to one knee and proposed to Ms. Nikolau. The two embraced and kissed as helicopters circled overhead, capturing photos.
They posed for pictures while at the top, posting them to their Instagram accounts.
Radio chatter depicted two New York City Police Department officers reacting to the scene unfolding, as one said, “What’s all the hoopla going on over there?”
“Two geniuses climbed to the top of the Empire State Building, the top of the spire,” an unidentified person responded.
“Oh, that’s awesome. It’s a little hot for that, isn’t it?” the first person asked, referring to the Big Apple’s heat wave.
Since making their way down around 1 p.m., where law enforcement officers congregated behind yellow police tape, including the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit, they have been taken into custody, according to NYPD spokeswoman Delaney Kempner.
No injuries were reported, and charges are currently pending, which could reportedly include trespassing and reckless endangerment.
During the incident, the police department told New Yorkers to expect street closures near 5th Avenue and 34th Street in Manhattan.
At the beginning of the episode, the building’s iconic observation deck below saw normal activity. Visitors, including tourists visiting for the World Cup, were evacuated once staff was notified of the climb.
It was not immediately clear how the two climbed to the top of the building.
Others have previously climbed the spire of the building, and many stunts have been unauthorized.
The two atop the 102-story building are the same pair behind the 2024 documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” The film follows the couple, two Russian nationals who attempted an acrobatic stunt climbing the skyscraper Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In the film, documenting their climb of the second-tallest structure in the world, Mr. Beerkus and Ms. Nikolau filmed themselves hiding inside the active construction site, evading security by hiding inside the building, and successfully climbing to the top of the tower’s spire. Afterward, the couple departed Malaysia while authorities investigated them for trespassing.
In 2024, the two said that they had just moved to New York and teased that there were buildings they had not “conquered” yet.
“Per the conditions of our visa, we aren’t allowed to do anything illegal in this country. So, follow us on Instagram to see what happens!” Ms. Nikolau told Variety, adding that in “America specifically, it’s not something you can get away with as easily as in other countries.”
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