Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, were granted supervised release on Thursday after being charged with reckless endangerment, burglary, and criminal mischief for climbing the Empire State Building spire. The Moscow-born couple, known for scaling global structures, climbed to the 1,454-foot spire on Wednesday to stage an engagement stunt, according to reports from WABC.
How did the Empire State Building climb happen?
Investigators believe the couple entered the building the night before the climb and hid inside. According to the criminal complaint, a lock on a 104th-floor security door was broken to gain access to the broadcasting antenna. Sources stated a security camera recorded the pair going through a hatch on the 102nd floor at 5 a.m. Wednesday, using tools to loosen brackets for stairwell access.
Once at the top, the couple unfurled a banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” Kuznetsov appeared to propose to Nikolau as they descended. The NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit scaled the spire to bring them down safely.
What are the legal charges and defenses?
Kuznetsov and Nikolau face charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment. While they did not enter a plea during their Thursday morning arraignment, their attorney, Jason Krinsky, claimed the district attorney’s office “overcharged” the case. Krinsky noted that Empire State Building representatives stated there was no risk to tenants or guests.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch disputed the lack of danger, describing the body camera footage of the rescue as “harrowing” and stating that officers risked their lives to retrieve the couple.
Who are Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau?
The couple, who currently reside in East Orange, are daredevils from Moscow. Kuznetsov is also known as “Beerkus.” Their activities were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” While the stunt was presented as an engagement, Nikolau’s father, a Russian circus artist, told ABC News that the couple is already married and the climb was a performance.
How does this compare to previous climbs?
The Empire State Building has seen other unauthorized ascents. However, the building has occasionally permitted climbs for specific purposes. In 2023, actor and musician Jared Leto was allowed to climb from the 86th floor to the base of the antenna to promote a tour. The building’s management emphasized in a statement that while their observation deck offers a “practical way” for marriage proposals, this specific stunt involved “pre-observational surveillance,” according to Greg Sanfilippo, vice president of Doyle Security Services.
What happens next for the couple?
The couple is currently on supervised release. A possible next step in the legal process is their scheduled court appearance on Aug. 24. Depending on the proceedings, they may face sentencing or further negotiations regarding the “overcharged” claims made by their defense counsel.
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