Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, both Russian nationals residing in East Orange, New Jersey, were scheduled to appear in court on Thursday following their arrest for scaling the Empire State Building. The couple spent Wednesday night in separate holding cells at 100 Centre Street, near the Manhattan Criminal Court. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office was reviewing charges and preparing a criminal complaint.
Police and building security are examining surveillance footage to understand how Nikolau and Kuznetsov bypassed security and accessed the observation deck. The pair, known for their global skyscraper climbs, remained atop the building for several minutes before descending the spire, according to the New York Police Department. Kuznetsov, also known as Ivan Beerkus, reportedly proposed to Nikolau during the incident.
Nikolau and Kuznetsov face charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, violation of a local law, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct, and possession of burglar's tools. Officials suspect the climbers may have observed building employees and used a service entrance to circumvent screening procedures. Security measures at the Empire State Building have previously been reviewed following trespassing incidents involving individuals seeking to take selfies near the spire.