Daredevil Couple Arrested After Climbing Empire State Building Spire and Getting Engaged

A daredevil couple made international headlines after climbing the Empire State Building and getting engaged on its spire. Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov reached the top of the landmark on Wednesday afternoon before being arrested by the NYPD.

The pair scaled the building without safety gear. They unfurled a banner on the spire and one proposed marriage while at the summit. The couple spent several minutes at the top before descending.

The proposal /ABC

They were charged with multiple offenses including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, violation of local laws, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.

The arrest /ABC

The Empire State Building is an iconic Art Deco skyscraper in New York City. Completed on 11 April 1931, it stands 1,250 feet (381 metres) tall to the roof with the spire adding to its height. It was the world’s tallest building for 40 years after completion.

The Empire State Building /Get Your Guide

The building features 102 stories and was constructed in a remarkable 410 days. It famously won the “Race into the Sky” against the Chrysler Building after a secret spire was added to surpass its rival.

The spire was originally promoted as an airship docking station, though this was largely a publicity stunt. No zeppelin ever actually moored there.

The Empire State Building has an observation deck on the 86th floor that attracts millions of visitors annually. An annual foot race to the top has been held since 1978, with the record standing at nine minutes and 33 seconds.

The couple’s climb has sparked widespread discussion online. Many praised the audacity of the romantic gesture, while others criticised the risks and security breach at one of the city’s most recognisable and heavily monitored landmarks.

The Empire State Building remains a symbol of New York and American ambition. It was initially nicknamed the “Empty State Building” due to low occupancy during the Great Depression but eventually became one of the city’s most profitable and visited attractions.

The incident has renewed focus on security at major landmarks. Authorities are investigating how the climbers reached the spire despite extensive surveillance.

Nikolau and Kuznetsov are known for high-risk urban climbing adventures. The stunt has drawn both admiration and calls for accountability.

The Empire State Building has resumed normal operations. The legal proceedings for the couple are expected to continue in the coming days.