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Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who go by Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, depart New York criminal courthouse building today. AP Photo/Jennifer Peltz

Couple accused of scaling Empire State Building face slew of charges

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, a couple who frequently pull off daring stunts and post their escapades to social media, were arrested on Wednesday.

A COUPLE ARRESTED for allegedly scaling the Empire State Building for an apparent marriage proposal are facing a range of charges after appearing in court in New York today.

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, a couple who frequently pull off daring stunts and post their escapades to social media, were arrested on Wednesday after two people were filmed reaching the peak of the Empire State Building.

They face charges including reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal tampering, and burglary, among others.

Wearing face coverings, the man went down on one knee and appeared to propose to the woman, before they kissed and embraced.

They unrolled a banner, reading “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace”.

Just after 12.30pm, they began to climb down, picking their way along the latticework of metal to a wider ledge, where one seemed to set up a piece of electronic equipment and got down on one knee.

After the two kissed again and hugged, the other person took selfies with an outstretched left hand, as if examining a ring.

Police took them into custody after 1pm.

It was not clear how they gained access to the antenna, which rises far above public areas of the 102-storey landmark.

Additional reporting by AP

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