‘Rooftoppers’ Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov were arrested after allegedly scaling the New York skyscraper.4 min readJul 3, 2026 07:37 AM IST First published on: Jul 3, 2026 at 07:37 AM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookTwo people stand on the tip of the antenna of the Empire State Building in New York while holding a banner. (Photo: AP)Two Russian daredevils who staged a dramatic proposal atop New York’s Empire State Building have been released under supervision after a court appearance, with investigators now focusing on how the high-risk stunt was planned and executed.Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32 known online as Ivan Beerkus were arrested after scaling the skyscraper’s spire, unfurling a banner and kissing at the summit. The pair appeared in a New York court on Thursday, charged with offences including reckless endangerment, burglary, criminal trespass and possession of burglar’s tools.Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who go by Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, depart New York criminal courthouse building. (Photo: AP)Police said the stunt prompted a rapid emergency response, with drones and helicopters deployed to track the climbers before specialised units detained them. Investigators are examining how the duo managed to bypass security to reach the 1,454ft (443m) peak.“This was an extremely dangerous act,” a law enforcement official said, adding that such stunts risk lives and divert emergency resources.Who are the ‘rooftoppers’?Nikolau and Kuznetsov are prominent figures in the underground world of “rooftopping” a high-risk subculture in which climbers scale skyscrapers without safety gear to capture striking visuals.Story continues below this adThe couple command a massive online following, with millions of users watching their vertigo-inducing videos filmed atop cranes, bridges and high-rise buildings across the world. Their exploits have also brought them wider recognition, including appearances linked to Netflix features and documentaries showcasing extreme urban exploration.Angela Nikolau e Ivan Beerkus foram presos por escalarem ilegalmente a antena (spire) do Empire State Buidling sem permissão.輪輪♀️No dia 1º de julho de 2026, o casal russo de aventureiros Angela Nikolau (33 anos) e Ivan Beerkus (também conhecido como Ivan Kuznetsov, 32 anos)… pic.twitter.com/t7B2GCSorM— Matt (@MatthiasKarlson) July 2, 2026Past footage shows the pair performing similar stunts in countries such as China and the United States, often balancing on narrow ledges or hanging from structures hundreds of feet above ground.Critics say such content glamorises hazardous behaviour. “These videos may look cinematic, but they encourage copycat risks and put lives in danger,” a public safety expert said.How did they do it?Investigators believe the pair entered the Empire State Building the night before and hid inside. Early Wednesday, they were seen accessing restricted areas before climbing towards the spire, more than 1,300 feet above ground.Officials said a lock on an upper-floor security door had been broken, suggesting prior planning. “They didn’t just stumble into that hatch… someone cased the joint,” a security expert said.Story continues below this adPolice used drones, helicopters and specialised units before bringing them down.Diplomatic attention and official backlashThe couple remain under supervised release until their next court hearing. The case has also drawn diplomatic attention, with the Russian embassy in the United States understood to be aware of the arrests, though no official statement had been issued.Most Read1Iran blames US as ship runs aground in Hormuz. But, tracking data tells a different story2Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral: Who will represent India? Full list of government, BJP, Congress and other leaders310 Indian-origin CEOs leading America’s biggest companies as US turns 2504Russia imports petrol from India after Ukraine attacks trigger fuel crisis: Report5At least 9 killed after explosion in Damascus cafe, several injured6e-OCI card: How to apply online, eligibility, documents explainedThe Empire State Building’s management responded with a pointed reminder that safer options exist. “The observation deck offers a practical and iconic setting for memorable proposals,” a spokesperson said, stressing that restricted areas are off-limits.Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who go by Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, depart New York criminal courthouse building. (Photo: AP)Footage of the stunt including the moment the couple displayed a banner reading, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace” has continued to circulate widely online, fuelling debate over the pursuit of viral fame at any cost.Story continues below this adAs legal proceedings continue, authorities say the case highlights a growing challenge: balancing the pull of social media spectacle with the need for public safety and accountability.(With inputs from agencies)AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogPortugal vs Croatia Live Updates, FIFA World Cup 2026: POR win 2-1 after CRO goal ruled offside14 minutes agoICAI CA Foundation Result 2026 Live Updates: Results releasing on July 3 at caresults.icai.org26 minutes agoCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026 Live Updates: Results expected soon; where to check?35 minutes agoIndia news Highlights, 2 July 2026: Want to bring 10 trillion yen investment from Japan to India by 2036, says Modi8 hours agoMumbai Rains, Weather Live Updates: Orange alerts in Mumbai, few other Maharashtra districts, as heavy rains flood parts of city9 hours ago