Couple faces multiple charges after climbing Empire State building for proposal

A couple has been charged with multiple offences after illegally climbing to the top of the Empire State Building in New York and staging an apparent marriage proposal. The pair, identified as Russian nationals Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, climbed the iconic skyscraper's 1,454-foot spire, unfurled a banner promoting peace, and shared a kiss before being arrested by New York police.

Authorities have charged the couple with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct, and possession of burglary tools.

Investigators are also examining how the pair managed to bypass security and reach a restricted area of the building without being detected. Officials said the stunt forced emergency responders to temporarily shut down the building's broadcast antenna to ensure a safe rescue.

The duo is well known on social media for performing dangerous "rooftopping" stunts on skyscrapers around the world. While their dramatic proposal attracted widespread attention online, authorities stressed that such acts put lives at risk and violate safety regulations. The Empire State Building's management also noted that visitors can arrange safe and legal proposals at the observation deck.