Couple climbs needletop of NYC’s iconic Empire State building
Two people were arrested after scaling the top of New York City’s Empire State Building without safety equipment, unfurling a banner and apparently getting engaged during the stunt on Wednesday afternoon.The New York Police Department identified the pair as Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33. Kuznetsov’s social media profiles identify him as Ivan Beerkus. The two, who live in East Orange, New Jersey, are known for climbing skyscrapers and other high-rise structures without ropes or protective gear. According to law enforcement sources cited by CBS News, the pair have been charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, violation of local law, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.The incident took place around noon, when the man and woman, both wearing masks, climbed onto the spire at the very top of the Empire State Building. They appeared to have no visible safety equipment and were seen clinging to the structure while displaying a large black banner with white lettering.The banner read, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”The quote is often attributed to American-guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Investigators believe the pair accessed the spire through a hatch on the building’s 103rd floor that is typically used for water tower maintenance, according to preliminary information shared by law enforcement sources with CBS News.Authorities also said the pair appeared to get engaged during the climb before being taken into custody.
