Couple arrested 10 minutes after marriage proposal atop Empire State Building

A couple has been taken into custody after climbing the very top of New York City’s Empire State Building, before getting engaged, the BBC writes.

Russian nationals Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, unfurled a large banner at the tip of the skyscraper’s needle that read: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

Beerkus got down on one knee and seemed to propose to Nikolau, presenting a ring. They kissed before descending.

They were atop the 1,454 ft (443m) building for at least 10 minutes.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) told the BBC that two individuals had been taken into custody.

They face charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, trespass and disorderly conduct, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS.

The couple, who have performed similar stunts around the world, are the subjects of the 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.