Two Russian nationals, known for their 'rooftopping' exploits, have reportedly been arraigned in New York on a series of charges following an alleged unauthorised ascent of the Empire State Building. Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, also known as Ivan Beerkus, were arrested on Wednesday after the high-profile stunt, which saw them reportedly unfurl a peace banner and engage in an apparent marriage proposal at the iconic skyscraper's 1,454ft (443 metres) summit.
The couple spent their first night following the alleged engagement in separate cells, according to reports, ahead of their court appearance on Thursday. They face a range of charges, including reckless endangerment, burglary, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct, and possession of burglar's tools. Records indicate that Nikolau and Kuznetsov, who are Russian nationals, share an address in New Jersey.
Both individuals are well-known practitioners of 'rooftopping', an underground activity where participants scale tall buildings and structures to capture photographs and videos, or to make political statements. Kuznetsov's Instagram account, @beerkus, boasts over half a million followers, while Nikolau's has an even larger following of 1.8 million. Their past adventures reportedly include similar ascents in China and California.
Upon reaching the Empire State Building's spire on Wednesday lunchtime, the pair reportedly unfurled a large black flag inscribed with the message: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace." The audacious stunt was monitored by a New York Police Department drone and helicopter, leading to their arrest by the department's elite emergency service unit, which specialises in high-altitude rescues.
Investigators are currently working to ascertain precisely how the duo managed to scale the final sections of the landmark building, which first opened in 1931 and was famously featured in the film King Kong. The owners of the Empire State Building issued a statement noting their preference for couples seeking to get engaged to use the building's observation deck, which offers a "practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals."
While this incident primarily affects the individuals involved and New York authorities, such high-profile stunts can have implications for international travel and security protocols in major global cities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) regularly updates its travel advice for British nationals visiting the United States, which includes guidance on respecting local laws and customs. While this specific event does not alter FCDO advice, it serves as a reminder for UK travellers to adhere to regulations in their destination countries to avoid legal issues.
Source: The Guardian