Couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building to get engaged 1,454ft above New York

A Russian couple have been arrested after scaling the Empire State Building, unfurling a banner from its spire and getting engaged 1,454 feet above New York City.

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, better known online as Ivan Beerkus, climbed the iconic skyscraper on Wednesday afternoon before remaining atop the spire for several minutes as they were filmed.

Police said Mr Kuznetsov proposed to his long-term partner before the pair were taken into custody.

The couple now face a string of criminal charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct, possession of burglar's tools and violating local law, according to the New York Police Department.

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During the stunt, the pair unfurled a black banner bearing a quote widely attributed to musician Jimi Hendrix.

It read: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."

The banner was later removed by authorities.

The NYPD also deployed a helicopter to the scene while the Empire State Building's observation deck was temporarily evacuated.

Visitors were allowed to return later that afternoon.

How the pair gained access to the metal framework supporting the building's spire, broadcast antenna and anti-collision beacon remains unclear.

An Empire State Building spokesman told ABC News that neither visitors nor tenants had been placed at risk.

"It is to be emphasised that the Empire State Building Observation Deck, atop the World's Most Famous Building in the center of New York City, does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals," the spokesman said.

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Dramatic police bodycam footage showed the moment the Russian nationals were apprehended.

“Hey I got eyes on them,” one officer can be heard saying in the video.

“How you doing? You can’t be up here!” he continued.

The footage was posted on social media on Wednesday by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who wrote: “A glimpse into the work of our Emergency Services Unit. God bless these officers.”

The couple starred in the 2024 Netflix documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story", which followed their climb of Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, the world's second-tallest building.

They have built a large online following by documenting climbs of skyscrapers and other structures around the world.

Their social media accounts regularly feature photographs of them standing, embracing and kissing on the edges of buildings hundreds of feet above the ground.

The pair also appeared to document their Empire State Building climb online, sharing close-up photographs of the proposal and engagement ring from the top of the landmark.

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