Two people were arrested after climbing to the antenna of the Empire State Building on July 1, 2024 [3].
The incident highlights the ongoing trend of social-media influencers performing high-risk stunts in urban environments to gain viral visibility. Such actions create significant security challenges for landmark management and emergency responders in New York City.
The pair reached the building's antenna at a height of 1,454 feet [1]. Once at the top, they unfurled a banner that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace” [1]. During the stunt, the couple also used the moment to propose engagement [1].
Police took two people into custody following the event [2]. While some reports identify the individuals as Russian influencers Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus [1], other accounts describe them as a couple from East Orange, New Jersey [2].
The climb occurred around midday [3]. The individuals were masked during the ascent and the subsequent engagement moment on the ledge [1]. The stunt was designed to share a message of love and create a viral social-media moment [1].
Authorities responded to the breach of the skyscraper's secure areas. The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic structures in the U.S., and its antenna is strictly off-limits to the public.
““When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace,””
This event reflects a broader pattern of 'rooftopping' and extreme urban exploration used for digital clout. By targeting a globally recognized symbol like the Empire State Building, the individuals ensured maximum reach for their message, but the resulting arrests underscore the legal risks associated with trespassing and reckless endangerment in high-security zones.
