Empire State Building Climbers Face Burglary Charge After 1,450-Foot Needle Stunt
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
Empire State Building Climbers Face Burglary Charge After 1,450-Foot Needle Stunt
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
Summary
Angela Nikolau, 33, was charged with burglary after she and Ivan Beerkus, 32, climbed the Empire State Building’s needle on Wednesday; it was not immediately clear whether he also faced charges.
About 1,450 feet above New York, the couple unfurled a large black banner reading, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace,” before being taken into custody.
An Instagram video posted by Nikolau late Wednesday morning showed the view from a narrow platform and was captioned, “Currently at the Empire State Building.”
The stunt also included a proposal: Beerkus got down on one knee atop the skyscraper, according to a law enforcement official and a photo later posted to Instagram.