2 minNews
Couple accused in Empire State Building climb appear in court
Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau, the couple accused of climbing the Empire State Building in July, made their first court appearance in New York City on Monday. They face charges including burglary and reckless endangerment. The case was adjourned until September.
The couple accused of scaling the Empire State Building last month made their first court appearance in New York City on Monday, facing charges that include burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, of East Orange, New Jersey, were arrested after authorities said they reached the top of the iconic landmark on July 1, holding up a sign and wearing masks while apparently unharnessed.
The stunt was used to announce the couple's engagement, with Kuznetsov proposing to Nikolau nearly 1,500 feet above the city. Video from the scene showed Nikolau displaying a ring while overlooking Manhattan. Police said no one was injured during the incident, and NYPD bodycam footage later showed officers encountering the masked suspects at the top of the skyscraper.
Following Monday's court appearance, the couple was seen embracing and kissing as they exited the courthouse. When asked about the situation, Nikolau said, «Everything can be taken, except this.» The couple's attorney declined to comment on the case.
Two days before the court date, Nikolau addressed the stunt in an Instagram post, writing that humanity has been moved forward by those who refuse to accept existing boundaries. She said the couple believes in asking uncomfortable questions and taking risks, adding, «Whatever happens in court, we will respect the process and accept the consequences of our choices.»
The case has been adjourned until September. The couple's arrest drew attention to a series of similar high-profile climbing stunts in recent months, including an incident at the Las Vegas Sphere and a protest atop a Washington, D.C. bridge. Authorities have emphasized the dangers of such actions, both to the climbers and to emergency responders who must intervene.
