Russian couple Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, appeared in Manhattan court Tuesday facing multiple charges for climbing the Empire State Building on July 1. The pair, known for their high-rise exploits, were charged with reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, burglary, criminal tampering, violation of local law, and possession of burglar's tools.
During the court appearance, their lawyers revealed that discussions for a potential plea deal had taken place with the District Attorney's office on August 6 and September 24. The outcome of these discussions remains unclear.
Upon exiting the courtroom, Nikolau and Beerkus removed their jackets to reveal white shirts with bulletproof vests printed on them, bearing the word "PEACE" across the chest and back. They addressed reporters, advocating for a message of love and peace, while cautioning the public against repeating their actions. "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," Beerkus stated.
Nikolau added that their "performance" was about the "power of love" and "peace," with Beerkus affirming, "And we choose love." Their legal team indicated the couple would not answer further questions, and the case is ongoing. Nikolau and Beerkus are scheduled to return to court on October 27.
Following their climb up the skyscraper, the couple unfurled a banner that read: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace." The phrase is a modified quote often attributed to William Gladstone.
The pair, who were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story," are known for posting videos of themselves climbing tall buildings on social media. After descending the Empire State Building, they were taken into custody by the New York City Police Department. The incident caused astonishment among tourists, and the building's observation deck was cleared as police cordoned off the area below.
