Story perspectives

Couple Scales Empire State Antenna, Proposes, Arrested

7/2/2026

Center

Couple Proposes

The banner’s line, often misattributed to Jimi Hendrix, was originally spoken by William Gladstone.
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus climbed Empire State Building antenna, unfurled a banner, proposed and were taken into NYPD custody.
NYPD officers climbed the antenna, intercepted the pair near the spire’s base before 1 p.m.
Police anticipate charging them with reckless endangerment, burglary and criminal trespass, a class A misdemeanor.

Left

Couple Arrested

A banner reading “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace” displayed during proposal.
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus were arrested and taken into NYPD custody after climbing the Empire State Building’s antenna.
They posted Instagram videos and referenced 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story” announcing engagement.
NYPD deployed officers, a drone and helicopter, closed nearby streets, and reviewed surveillance footage.

History

Historical Context

In 1964–65 New York staged a massive World’s Fair on Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, organized by Robert Moses and backed by corporations such as IBM. The expo featured 139 pavilions and attracted 51.6 million visitors, showcasing futuristic displays that set a precedent for high-profile visual promotions. Today’s rooftop banner stunts echo that legacy, sparking legal and safety debates in major cities.

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Couple Proposes

The banner’s line, often misattributed to Jimi Hendrix, was originally spoken by William Gladstone.
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus climbed Empire State Building antenna, unfurled a banner, proposed and were taken into NYPD custody.
NYPD officers climbed the antenna, intercepted the pair near the spire’s base before 1 p.m.
Police anticipate charging them with reckless endangerment, burglary and criminal trespass, a class A misdemeanor.

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