Extreme climber Angelina Nikolau and her partner Ivan Kuznetsov climbed the Empire State Building in New York City, ascending to a height of about 1,450 feet and unfurling a banner that read “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” The couple, who are social media influencers, got engaged at the top of the building.
Security Breach
The couple entered the building as visitors the night before and hid inside after closing. They purchased tickets to the open-air observatory on the 86th floor and went through security screening. However, they managed to evade security and climb to the top of the building, where they unfurled their banner and got engaged.
The NYPD was called, and the couple was arrested and charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. The charges are not bail-eligible under New York law.
The couple’s lawyer, Jason Krinsky, said that the district attorney’s office overcharged his clients and that they would deal with the charges in court.
Consequences
NYPD Chief Michael LiPetri said that the serious felony charges send a message and that there will be consequences for the couple’s actions. The Empire State Building spokesperson called the stunt “unauthorized” and thanked the NYPD for their help.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
