Extreme climber Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, both social media influencers, climbed the Empire State Building in New York City and got engaged at the top. However, their romantic gesture was short-lived, as they were arraigned on felony charges and released under court supervision.
The Climb
Nikolau and Kuznetsov, who reside in New Jersey, entered the Empire State Building as visitors the night before their stunt and hid inside after closing. They purchased tickets to the open-air observatory on the 86th floor and went through security screening.
Security camera footage showed the couple hiding in the observatory complex and later popping out of a hatch in the floor to emerge into the 102nd-floor observatory complex. They used tools to loosen brackets on the wall and maneuvered around a gate to access the spire.
Charges and Consequences
Nikolau and Kuznetsov face charges that include burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. The charges are not bail-eligible under New York law. The couple’s attorney, Jason Krinsky, said the district attorney’s office overcharged his clients.
The Empire State Building’s broadcast antenna had to be powered down for about 30 minutes before officers with the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit could safely approach the climbers. Damage to a broken security door lock on the 104th floor is estimated at about $2,000.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
