Story perspectives

Climbers Arrested After Scaling Empire State Antenna, $2K Damage

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov were arrested after scaling the Empire State Building’s antenna.
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov broke a security-door lock on the 104th floor, causing about $2,000 in damage.
The antenna was powered down for roughly 30 minutes before NYPD officers could safely ascend and detain the climbers.
Authorities filed felony charges of reckless endangerment, burglary and criminal mischief, noting no danger to tenants or visitors.

History

Historical Context

In May 1977, toymaker George Willig scaled the South Tower of the World Trade Center in 3½ hours, later paying a $1.10 fine after the city cut a $250,000 penalty. That legacy, from Petit’s 1974 tightrope walk to the 1993 WTC bombing’s security upgrades, resurfaced when Instagram influencers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov breached the Empire State Building’s 104th-floor antenna in 2024, prompting New York to require biometric rooftop access.

1 of 2

Story summary

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov were arrested after scaling the Empire State Building’s antenna.
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov broke a security-door lock on the 104th floor, causing about $2,000 in damage.
The antenna was powered down for roughly 30 minutes before NYPD officers could safely ascend and detain the climbers.
Authorities filed felony charges of reckless endangerment, burglary and criminal mischief, noting no danger to tenants or visitors.

1 / 2