Daredevil Couple Scale Empire State Building Spire Before High-Altitude Arrest In New York

Emergency Service Unit officers from the NYPD responded after two individuals climbed the 1,454-foot spire of the Empire State Building on July 1, 2026.

Bodycam footage shows officers wearing harnesses as they carefully navigated the narrow metal structure at extreme height to reach and secure the two climbers.

The individuals were identified as Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, also known as Ivan Kuznetsov. Both are Russian daredevils featured in “Skywalkers: A Love Story.”

At the top of the spire, the pair unfurled a banner reading “peace,” which stated: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” Beerkus also proposed to Nikolau before their descent.

After being brought down from the structure, both were arrested without injury to themselves or officers. Officials highlighted the extreme risk the incident posed to responding personnel.