Two people climbed the antenna atop the Empire State Building around noon Wednesday, unfurled a banner, and were taken into custody by NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit after descending — but not before one of them got down on one knee.
Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, both of East Orange, New Jersey, were arrested at 1318 hours within the confines of Midtown South Precinct, according to an NYPD statement. Both face charges of burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, violation of local law, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
Police said the pair was spotted on the building’s antenna, at 20 West 34th Street, shortly before 1 p.m. NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit responded and took both into custody without incident. No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.
The banner the two unfurled read: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” Bystanders on the observation deck and street below described watching the pair climb, embrace, and appear to exchange a ring before officers reached them.
It remains unclear how the pair gained access to the antenna, which sits well above the building’s public observation decks. NYC In Focus will update this story as charges and further details are confirmed.