Lead

Two people scaled the Empire State Building's antenna on Wednesday, unfurled a banner bearing a message about the power of love, and appeared to carry out a marriage proposal before being taken into custody by police. The climbers, dressed in black and wearing masks, were seen balancing on a narrow ledge atop the 1,454-foot (443-meter) structure, according to news helicopter video cited by multiple outlets. The banner read: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."

Coverage Comparison

ABC Australia and France 24 — English both reported the climbers were arrested after the stunt, with France 24 noting that police body camera video showed the arrest. The Guardian — World also covered the climb and proposal, describing how one person knelt and the two embraced and kissed. BBC — World and The Hindu — World offered brief reports focusing on the banner display, with both noting the lack of clarity on how the pair accessed the antenna.

The climbers' names were released as Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus, as reported by ABC Australia. The duo, described as Russian daredevils, posted images and videos of themselves atop the building to their Instagram accounts. ABC Australia noted that their adventure-style efforts are known as "rooftopping" and that they were the subject of a 2024 documentary called "Skywalkers: A Love Story."

Key Claims

  • Two people climbed to the pinnacle of the Empire State Building and unfurled a large black banner with the words: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace." This was reported by ABC Australia, BBC — World, France 24 — English, The Guardian — World, and The Hindu — World.
  • An apparent marriage proposal took place at the top of the building, with one person kneeling and the two kissing and hugging. This was reported by ABC Australia, France 24 — English, and The Guardian — World.
  • The climbers were arrested, as reported by ABC Australia and France 24 — English. Police took them into custody after 1 p.m., and no one was injured, according to ABC Australia.
  • The climbers' names were Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus, as reported by ABC Australia. They claimed involvement and posted images and videos of themselves atop the building.
  • An NYPD drone and helicopter were present near the scene, as reported by The Guardian — World.
  • Police body camera video showed the arrest, as reported by France 24 — English.
  • Reactions from onlookers and office workers were reported, including a tourist from Glasgow who said, "It's crazy — it's like being in the movies," as quoted by ABC Australia.

Perspectives

Police

NYPD officers intercepted the climbers, with footage showing an officer saying, "Well, you can't be up here." An off-camera voice replied, "We are engaged." Police reported no injuries and took the pair into custody, as reported by France 24 — English and ABC Australia.

Climbers and family

Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus claimed involvement and posted images and videos of the stunt on Instagram, as reported by ABC Australia. Nikolau's father, Russian circus artist Dmitriy Nikolau, defended the climb, saying, "I think it is normal to climb up a roof in any country, including the United States, according to any constitution," and added, "Why should I be worried? I climb up roofs myself."