NEWSXR SPECIAL REPORT

Protest Or Proposal? Empire State Building Peace-Banner Stunt Ends In Arrests And Security Questions

NEW YORK — Was it a protest, a proposal, or both? That is the question now hanging over a high-rise stunt at the Empire State Building after two climbers allegedly scaled the building’s antenna spire, displayed a peace banner, appeared to get engaged, and were taken into NYPD custody.

Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, also known as Ivan Beerkus, allegedly climbed the Empire State Building’s antenna spire on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, before police brought them down.

The banner read: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

On its face, the stunt carried the message of a protest. In the footage and reported court details, it also looked like a marriage proposal staged nearly 1,500 feet above Manhattan.

That split identity is now part of the story.

The public saw a peace message and a romantic spectacle. Police saw two people allegedly inside a restricted section of one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks. Prosecutors now have a criminal case. Building officials have a security question.