Two daredevils evaded security Wednesday and climbed to the top of the Empire State Building’s needle, unfurling a banner about 1,450 feet above New York City before being taken into police custody, reports BBC.
The breach at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks occurred around noon amid a heightened NYPD presence following the Knicks’ first championship in 53 years, ongoing World Cup matches, and preparations for pop star Taylor Swift’s upcoming wedding celebration at Madison Square Garden.
Law enforcement identified the masked climbers as Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, known online as “Ivan Beerkus.”
Both were arrested without incident and face multiple charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, tampering, and trespass.
Investigators are probing how the pair accessed restricted areas. Two Emergency Service Unit officers climbed four ladders to reach them at the spire, escorting them down safely. Bodycam footage shows officers telling the climbers, “Stay where you are… you can’t be up here.”
Nikolau later posted images and video of the stunt on Instagram, including a shot of her engagement ring against the city skyline.
Her account features numerous posts of the couple atop skyscrapers worldwide and promotes Skywalkers: A Love Story, a 2024 Netflix documentary describing them as “daredevil influencers.” Netflix declined comment.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe told CNN the stunt put officials in a “tough spot,” stressing the need for prosecution to deter copycat attempts.
Both individuals, residents of New Jersey, remained in custody Wednesday as the investigation continued.
