Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jennifer Peltz

Couple charged with felonies over Empire State Building climb and proposal

  • Daredevil couple Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus appeared in court on felony reckless endangerment and burglary charges Thursday after scaling the Empire State Building 's broadcast antenna for a marriage proposal.
  • The couple, subjects of the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, ascended 1,454 feet to the summit, displayed a banner, and then descended to a lower ledge where the proposal took place.
  • Authorities said the stunt created significant danger, particularly for Emergency Services Unit officers who climbed approximately 1,250 feet to intercept the couple. A broken lock was discovered on a restricted-access door.
  • Beerkus told police he wanted to "do something special" for their engagement, and after their court appearance, he explained their motivation by stating, "We believe in love."
  • Nikolau and Beerkus, both in their early thirties, were released without bail in accordance with New York laws, with their attorney indicating they would review the evidence provided by prosecutors.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.