Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau were released under supervision after appearing in Manhattan court on July 2 following their Empire State Building climb on July 1, where they unfurled a banner that appeared to include a marriage proposal. Prosecutors say they
On July 1. Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau climbed to the top of the Empire State Building’s 1. 454-foot-tall antenna and unfurled a black banner with a line that sounded like a vow in the sky: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” By the time officers moved in during their descent at about 12:30 p.m. police had already shut down nearby streets.
Two days later, after a court appearance on July 2, prosecutors said the couple was released from custody under supervision.
Beerkus. 32. and Nikolau. 33. both described as a duo from Russia. were arrested after the stunt and face felony charges of reckless endangerment. criminal mischief. burglary and “BASE jumping. ” prosecutors told. In court. prosecutors said they are social media influencers who engage in risky behaviors including breaking and entering and climbing buildings. They asked the judge to require some level of supervision when the couple was released to help ensure they return to court. and the court granted that request.
Their release and supervision came after the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said the pair were arraigned on July 2 on multiple felony counts. The DA’s office said the charges are not bail eligible, and that their next appearance is set for Aug. 24.
The stunt’s path through security was central to prosecutors’ account in court. They told the judge on July 2 that Nikolau and Beerkus trespassed overnight in the building before making the climb. A criminal complaint, shared publicly, said police were notified by building security at about 11:15 a.m. on July 1 of a possible breach of security at the antenna.
According to the complaint, the climb required bypassing multiple secured areas. Investigators found that a lock was broken on a security door on the 104th floor that provides access to the antenna. and the complaint said the lock costs about $2. 000 to replace. Police also said the antenna “emits high-frequency radio signals that are powerful enough to cause harm to the human body. ” which forced authorities to shut it down before they could approach the suspects.
Body camera video shared by police showed officers climbing to reach the couple, including a moment when an officer told them, “You can’t be up here.” After leaving court on July 2, Nikolau and Beerkus were seen kissing.
The timeline has a sharp edge for anyone following the case: police were alerted before noon on July 1, the couple were arrested as they came down around 12:30 p.m., and the legal process moved quickly to arraignment on July 2—yet the next major court step isn’t until Aug. 24.
Empire State Building Ivan Beerkus Angela Nikolau Manhattan District Attorney's Office reckless endangerment BASE jumping social media influencers court appearance Aug. 24
So they got released already? For real.
I feel like this is just gonna turn into a circus. They unfurled a banner and everyone acted surprised like that doesn’t get cops involved. Next court date Aug 24… cool, so the influencer tour continues.
Wait the article says felony reckless endangerment and burglary and base jumping but they’re “under supervision.” Isn’t supervision basically just parole but smaller? Seems like a slap on the wrist to me, especially since it’s New York and everything gets handled.
Empire State Building, antenna 1,454 feet, banner in the sky… sounds romantic but also dumb. I saw a clip online where they’re already half down and then people say “oops security” like security just forgot they were there overnight?? I dunno if court actually cares or if they just want them back for the date. Aug 24 seems so far away too.