How Empire State Building climbers pulled off death-defying stunt: ‘Security always has a blindspot’

Empire State Building Climbers’ Bold Proposal Sparks Debate

How Empire State Building climbers pulled – On July 3, 2026, two social media influencers, Angelina Nikolau (33) and Ivan Kuznetsov (32), captured the world’s attention by scaling the Empire State Building’s towering spire. Known online as Angela and Ivan Beerkus, the pair reportedly spent a night atop New York City’s most recognizable landmark, completing a daring ascent that left both locals and distant observers in awe. Their adventure culminated in a romantic proposal, but the thrill of the moment was soon overshadowed by their arrest the following day on felony charges.

The Stunt and the Engagement

In a trailer for the 2024 Netflix documentary *Skywalkers: A Love Story*, Nikolau reflected on the nature of love and fear: “Love is like heights. The fear never goes away. You just get better at facing it.” This sentiment seemed to echo the couple’s real-life actions as they climbed to a height of approximately 1,450 feet, where they unfurled a black banner reading “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” The moment was a blend of romance and audacity, with Nikolau later sharing photos and video of the climb on Instagram, including a shot of her engagement ring against the iconic skyline.

“Love, like heights, is a force that confronts fear. The fear never truly disappears; you simply learn to embrace it,” said Angelina Nikolau in the documentary trailer.

Their stunt coincided with a flurry of citywide events, including heightened NYPD patrols during World Cup matches, the anticipated wedding of pop star Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden, and commemorations of America’s 250th birthday. Many New Yorkers wondered how the couple managed to bypass security at the Empire State Building, a place typically reserved for tourists and business professionals.

How They Breached the Security

According to law enforcement sources, Nikolau and Kuznetsov entered the building as visitors the night before their climb. They purchased tickets to the open-air observatory on the 86th floor at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, just two hours before the ticketed access was closed. The couple likely blended into the crowd of over 2.5 million annual visitors, who navigate the building’s grand staircase and ornate lobby before reaching the observation decks.

Security camera footage revealed the pair hiding in the maintenance room after the observatory closed. From there, they accessed the 102nd-floor complex through a hatch in the floor during the pre-dawn hours. The stairs leading to the spire were blocked by metal cables, but the climbers used tools to loosen brackets holding the cables in place. Once the gate was open, they maneuvered around the barrier and cut two padlocks to reach the summit.

“I wanted to do something special for my engagement,” stated Ivan Kuznetsov, according to prosecutors. This remark underscores the couple’s determination to create a memorable moment, even if it meant defying the building’s security protocols.

The complaint detailed the couple’s access to the broadcast antenna, which required passing through multiple restricted zones, including the 103rd floor. This area is accessible only via a key card to a secure door on the 102nd floor, highlighting the complexity of the security system they navigated. Investigators are still analyzing ticket records and video evidence to confirm whether the couple had previously visited the building, though their plan was clearly well-organized.

The Empire State Building’s Security Framework

The Empire State Building’s security measures are designed to balance accessibility with safety. Visitors must pass through an airport-style screening area in the lobby, where bag checks and X-ray machines are standard. However, the couple’s use of a maintenance room as a hideout suggests they exploited gaps in the system, leveraging their familiarity with the building’s layout to avoid detection.

For those seeking a more formal proposal, the building offers a “Happily Ever Empire Proposal Package” at $1,000 per couple. This package includes a reserved spot in the iconic 86th-floor observation deck, which provides open-air views of the city. While the couple could have chosen this option, their choice to ascend further into the structure demonstrates a willingness to take risks beyond conventional arrangements.

Public Reaction and Legal Consequences

News of the couple’s arrest has sparked a mix of reactions. Some praised their romantic bravery, while others criticized their actions as reckless. The case raises questions about the balance between personal expression and public safety, especially in a landmark that hosts millions of visitors annually.

Following their arrest, Nikolau and Kuznetsov were arraigned but released under court supervision. The charges include trespassing and possibly violating building access regulations. Their legal proceedings are now in focus, with prosecutors examining evidence of their prior visits and the logistics of their climb. The couple’s social media presence, which often features extreme feats like free-climbing skyscrapers and hanging from rooftops, adds another layer to the story, framing their actions as a calculated risk rather than an impulsive one.

As the Empire State Building continues to draw crowds, the couple’s stunt serves as a reminder of the human drive to push boundaries. Their story intertwines love, adventure, and the inherent challenge of navigating both physical and institutional obstacles. Whether viewed as a romantic triumph or a security breach, their climb has left an indelible mark on the city’s skyline and its people.

A Symbol of Defiance and Devotion

The incident underscores the Empire State Building’s dual role as a cultural icon and a secure facility. While it welcomes millions for guided tours and special events, the couple’s ascent highlights the possibility of accessing hidden spaces for personal moments. Their actions may inspire others to seek similar feats, but they also prompt a reevaluation of how security systems can be bypassed in high-traffic locations.

As the city grapples with the implications of their stunt, the couple’s story remains a testament to the intersection of passion and peril. Love, they proved, can indeed defy gravity—both literal and metaphorical. Their engagement, now intertwined with the narrative of their daring climb, stands as a symbol of audacity and the lengths people will go to for a meaningful connection.