Two Russian artists specializing in skyscraper climbs were arrested Wednesday after scaling the spire of the Empire State Building, where they unfurled a banner calling for world peace before a spectacular marriage proposal was made more than 440 meters above the ground.
Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus, dressed in black, documented their climb on social media. Hanging from the spire of the iconic New York skyscraper, near its illuminated summit, they unfurled a large black banner bearing the inscription: "When the power of love triumphs over the love of power, the world knows peace."
Shortly after 12:30 PM, aerial footage showed the couple descending to a platform located slightly lower on the antenna. It was there that Vanya Beerkus got down on one knee to propose to Angela Nikolau. After accepting, she kissed her partner before photographing his ring to share on Instagram.
The couple is known for their extreme climbs of buildings and infrastructure around the world, a practice often called "rooftopping." Their story and exploits were featured in the documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, released in 2024.
According to Reuters, the operation ended with the arrest of the two climbers. Angela Nikolau's father, a former circus performer, said that climbing buildings had long been part of her lifestyle, adding that this type of challenge had become a "normal" activity for his daughter.
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