Russian Climbers Arrested After Unauthorized Ascent of Empire State Building

Two Russian-born professional roofers scaled the Empire State Building's antenna in New York without permission, displayed a banner, and got engaged before being detained on multiple criminal counts.

Russian Climbers Arrested After Unauthorized Ascent of Empire State Building

Two professional high-rise climbers of Russian origin were apprehended on Wednesday following an illegal climb to the topmost antenna of the Empire State Building in New York City. The man and woman, whose faces were concealed beneath hoods and dark garments, reached the summit without any legal authorization. At the peak, they held up a sign with an English-language message about love conquering the desire for power, then pledged themselves to one another in marriage.

Law enforcement identified the suspects as Ivan 'Vanya' Beerkus and Angela Nikolau. Both are originally from Russia and currently live in East Orange, New Jersey, part of the New York metro region. The pair previously appeared in a 2024 film documenting their daring climbs.

By Thursday, authorities had filed numerous criminal accusations against them. Police indicated the charges could total eight separate offenses, including putting others in danger through reckless behavior, unlawfully entering private property, causing a public disturbance, breaking and entering, damaging property, carrying tools intended for illegal entry, disrupting public order, and breaching a municipal regulation.

The episode triggered a police operation at the famous Manhattan tower once the unlawful climb was discovered.

Source: El Deber

Source: El Deber