Russian couple dating on top of Empire State Building (VIDEOS) – RT World News

The incident happened around noon on Wednesday, drawing the attention of stunned New Yorkers as police drones and helicopters tracked the pair from the air. Videos and photos posted online showed the black-clad couple on the roof of the Empire State Building above Midtown, with the woman wearing what appeared to be a black cat mask.

The couple, later identified as Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan “Vanya” Beerkus, 32, unveiled a poster with a quote attributed to legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world knows peace.”

The daredevils then descended to the lower stage, where Beerkus appeared to get down on one knee and propose, before the couple embraced and kissed.

After spending about half an hour at the top of the tower, the couple descended to the lower platform, where officers from the New York Police Department were waiting to arrest them.

According to US media, they are facing charges including theft, trespassing and reckless endangerment.

Nikolau and Beerkus are well known in the country “roof” a world where thrill seekers climb skyscrapers, cranes and other high structures, often without safety equipment.

The couple was featured in the Netflix documentary 2024 Skywalkers: A Love Storywhich followed their steep climbs in many countries. Their social media pages feature similar climbs from rooftops and bridges around the world.

Empire State Building management said the incident was resolved safely with the NYPD and that there was no threat to public safety. The building used the event as an opportunity to promote its legal proposal package for couples on its observation decks, starting at $1,000 – without the risk of crime.