Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau's daring ascent draws police attention and national media coverage
Category: Arts & Culture
On July 1, 2026, Ivan “Vanya” Beerkus and Angela Nikolau made headlines by illegally climbing to the top of the Empire State Building’s spire, prompting a police response and captivating viewers across local and national news channels. The couple, stars of Netflix’s 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, took their engagement to new heights during the stunt, which was not affiliated with the streaming service.
Beerkus and Nikolau, both known as "rooftoppers" for their daring climbs of skyscrapers, were spotted 1,454 feet above the ground, holding onto the iconic building's antenna. Dressed in black, they unfurled a banner reading, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace," a phrase often misattributed to Jimi Hendrix but originally spoken by British politician William Gladstone. Witnesses report that the couple spent approximately half an hour at the pinnacle of the structure, where Beerkus proposed to Nikolau, who accepted.
Following their climb, the couple posted several photos on their Instagram accounts, including one where Beerkus is seen on one knee holding a ring, and another showing Nikolau proudly displaying her engagement ring. The couple’s social media presence has been a key aspect of their public persona, often sharing their thrilling adventures and climbs.
The Empire State Building, a symbol of New York City, issued a statement emphasizing that at no point during the incident was there any danger to tenants or visitors. The iconic landmark noted, "The Empire State Building Observation Deck does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals," subtly referencing the couple’s unauthorized ascent.
As police worked to bring the couple down safely, local news outlets reported on the unusual engagement, which drew admiration and criticism alike. CNN’s senior national security analyst, Juliette Kayyem, expressed disapproval, stating, "This is performative. I’m all for love, I’m all for romance. This is egregious for about 10,000 different reasons and these people will end up in jail."
Beerkus and Nikolau have gained notoriety for their high-risk climbing adventures, often scaling skyscrapers without safety measures. Their documentary, Skywalkers: A Love Story, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 and was released on Netflix later that July, chronicles their experiences and the challenges they face as a couple in extreme situations. The film showcases their climb of Malaysia’s 2,227-foot Merdeka Tower, where they reportedly spent around 30 hours inside the building, hiding from construction workers before successfully completing their ascent.
In the documentary, Beerkus and Nikolau explore themes of love, trust, and the physical dangers associated with their passion for climbing. Co-director Jeff Zimbalist described their relationship as one where "there’s a danger to romance," highlighting the life-or-death stakes involved in their climbs. This narrative has resonated with audiences, as it intertwines personal relationships with thrilling adventure.
Prior to their Empire State Building climb, the couple had hinted at new adventures in New York City, stating in an interview that they were eager to conquer new heights. Their climb of the Empire State Building was a personal milestone and a bold statement of their adventurous spirit.
As of now, Beerkus and Nikolau remain in police custody following their climb, with the legal ramifications of their actions still uncertain. The couple's daring stunt has sparked discussions about safety, legality, and the lengths people will go for love and publicity. It is uncertain how authorities will respond to their actions, particularly as the couple has a history of engaging in similar stunts without permission.
In light of the incident, the Empire State Building management has reiterated their commitment to safety, ensuring that future proposals remain within the bounds of legality. They stated, "The unauthorized incident at the building has been resolved with the constructive and helpful coordination of the NYPD." The building continues to offer an official observation deck for those looking to propose in a more conventional manner.
As for Beerkus and Nikolau, the couple’s future remains uncertain as they navigate the aftermath of their climb. Their story, which has captivated millions on social media and through their documentary, will likely evolve in the coming weeks as they face the consequences of their actions. With their wedding plans now in the air, the couple's next steps will be closely watched by fans and followers alike.