Stunt atop New York landmark lands couple in police custody

A daredevil couple known for death-defying climbs around the world is in police custody after scaling the spire of the Empire State Building on Tuesday. Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus (also identified as Ivan Kuznetsov) reached the top of the iconic New York skyscraper and unfurled a peace-themed banner before descending, according to multiple reports. They were taken into custody and now face multiple charges from the NYPD, ABC News reported.

"The pair, known for their death-defying skyscraper climbs around the world, stayed on top of the landmark for several minutes before descending."

USA Today reported that the man appeared to propose marriage once the couple descended, adding an unexpected romantic twist to a stunt that had already drawn international attention and caused a stir in Manhattan. The pair remained on the spire for several minutes, with onlookers in the streets below craning their necks to catch a glimpse.

The couple is no stranger to high-risk climbs, having previously scaled other towering structures across the globe. But this particular ascent ended not in celebration but in handcuffs, as law enforcement moved in shortly after they touched down. The exact charges they face have not been detailed, but the incident underscores the fine line between spectacle and criminal trespass that such daredevils often walk.

"have since been taken into custody and now face multiple charges from the NYPD"

While the proposal reportedly went forward, the couple's future now hinges on a legal process in New York City. For now, the empire state's most recent adventurers are trading the spire for a cell, their banner of peace replaced by a summons to court.