# Empire State Building illegal climbing legal proceedings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/empire-state-building-illegal-climbing-legal-proceedings
> Updated: 2026-08-26T23:10:00.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2.

Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau appeared in a New York City court following an unauthorized July 1 climb of the Empire State Building. The couple used the ascent to stage a marriage proposal atop the skyscraper, an act that allegedly involved breaking a security lock on the 104th floor and staying overnight inside the building.

The pair faces several felony charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. The stunt reportedly caused a temporary shutdown of the building’s broadcasting equipment. While defense attorneys have characterized the act as a form of ‘art’, prosecutors are pursuing criminal charges.

Following the initial court appearance, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Jessica Waldman confirmed that the prosecutor’s office is engaged in “active plea discussions” with the defendants.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Empire State Building climbers face court amid plea talks

Daredevils Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau appeared in court wearing faux handcuffs as prosecutors revealed active plea negotiations regarding their unauthorized July climb of the Empire State Building.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/empire-state-building-climbers-face-court-amid-plea-talks

### 2026-08-24: Empire State Building climbers face court after viral engagement

Climbers Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau appeared in a New York court facing burglary and reckless endangerment charges after their viral Empire State Building engagement stunt.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/empire-state-building-climbers-face-court-over-viral-engagement-stunt

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Cite as: Empire State Building illegal climbing legal proceedings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/empire-state-building-illegal-climbing-legal-proceedings