A couple faces felony charges after illegally scaling the Empire State Building to stage a marriage proposal at the summit on Wednesday [4].
The incident highlights the security vulnerabilities of high-profile Manhattan landmarks and the legal risks associated with social media stunts in the U.S.
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, were arrested following the climb [1]. The pair appeared in court for their arraignment on Thursday, July 3. They have been released under court supervision and are scheduled to return to court on Aug. 24 [3].
While the couple has been identified across various reports, some discrepancies exist regarding their legal names. The New York Times identified the man as Ivan Beerkus, while CNN and MSN reported his name as Ivan Kuznetsov. Similarly, some reports refer to the woman as Angela Nikolau, though others use Angelina [1].
Following the arrest, the couple addressed their motivations for the stunt. Nikolau said, "Because we believe in love" [1]. Kuznetsov said, "We believe in love" [1].
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the exact nature of the felony charges, though the act of scaling the building illegally triggered the legal action. The Empire State Building is one of the most recognized structures in the world, making it a frequent target for unauthorized climbs.
“"Because we believe in love."”
This incident underscores a growing trend of 'clout-chasing' where individuals risk criminal charges and physical safety for viral content. By pursuing felony charges rather than simple trespassing misdemeanors, New York City prosecutors may be attempting to create a stronger deterrent against future unauthorized ascents of the city's skyscrapers.
