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Daredevil couple who scaled the Empire State hit with reckless endangerment charges
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov were criminally charged for climbing the Empire State Building, facing first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief, and other charges related to the stunt.
- The couple scaled the nearly 1,500-foot skyscraper dressed in dark outfits and masks, displaying a flag with a peace message on the antenna before being arrested.
- They pleaded not guilty and will remain free under supervision as their case is not bail-eligible; they spent a night in jail and are due back in court on August 24.
- Police reported damage to a security door and had to power down the antenna, which emits harmful radio signals, before safely reaching the couple after a 30-minute delay.
- The stunt was reportedly a special engagement proposal, and the couple, originally from Russia, are known from the 2024 Netflix documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story" and have nearly 2 million Instagram followers.
