Empire State Building Climbers Appear in Court, Preach 'Peace'
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, facing multiple charges, emerge from a Manhattan courtroom in striking attire and speak to reporters.
The couple arrested for scaling the Empire State Building appeared in a Manhattan courtroom Tuesday, clad in outfits bearing the word 'PEACE,' as their legal team engaged in discussions for a potential plea deal.
Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, face numerous charges including reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, and criminal mischief in connection with their July 1 ascent of the iconic New York City landmark. The pair, known for their high-rise climbing feats documented online, scaled the building to its spire, approximately 1,400 feet above ground.
During their court appearance, they held hands and later revealed white shirts printed with bulletproof vests and the word 'PEACE' emblazoned across their chests and backs. Outside the courthouse, Beerkus urged the public not to replicate their actions, stating, "please don't try to repeat what we did because we are professionals, great professionals with 15 years of experience and we want to say it's very dangerous."
Nikolau apologized for her English before describing their climb as a "performance" about "the power of love" and "peace." Beerkus added, "we choose love."
Prosecutors confirmed that plea discussions had occurred with the couple's defense team on August 6 and September 24. The outcome of these discussions remains unclear, and the couple is scheduled to return to court on October 27.
Following their climb, the couple deployed a banner that read: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace." This message is a variation of a quote often attributed to William Gladstone and sometimes misattributed to Jimi Hendrix.
Nikolau and Beerkus, who were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary 'Skywalkers: A Love Story,' were taken into custody by the New York City Police Department shortly after descending the building. Tourists and onlookers witnessed the event, with the Empire State Building's observation deck being cleared during the stunt. Police had cordoned off the area and closed the street below.