Daredevils get engaged on top of Empire State Building

By Lauren Wilkin

A couple was detained after climbing the antenna atop the Empire State Building to stage a marriage proposal.

New York Police scaled the building to take the couple into custody on Wednesday, July 1.

"You can't be up here," one police officer says as he climbs a ladder.

As the officer grabs the woman's arm, she says: "I'm okay."

"What language do you guys speak," the officer asks.

The newly-engaged couple reply: "Russian."

The pair scaled the landmark’s antenna, which reaches a height of 445 meters (1,460 feet) including the spire, drawing widespread attention on social media as helicopters monitored the incident from the air.

After the proposal, the couple unfurled a banner reading "when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace".

They later climbed down to a lower balcony, where they were taken into custody for allegedly accessing the antenna without authorization and creating a public safety risk.

The couple are thought to be the duo featuring in Netflix's 2024 documentary, Skywalkers: A Love Story, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus.

They both have a large social media following, thanks to the extreme stunts they perform.

Angela Nikolau uploaded photos from the Empire State Building climb onto her Instagram: @angela_nikolau

The images show an engagement ring on her finger with the New York Skyline beneath her hand, as well as the flag they flew and the moment her partner proposed.