Who Are Nikolau and Beerkus? Couple Arrested After Climbing Empire State Building and Kissing in Daredevil Stunt Before Dramatic Proposal [WATCH]

Two daredevils climbed the 1,454-foot antenna atop the Empire State Building and shared a kiss as in a cringe Instagram stunt. Nikolau, 33, and Beerkus, 32, carried a banner that read, “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

The message on the banner is a slightly altered version of a quote that is often wrongly credited to guitar legend Jimi Hendrix but was actually said by 19th-century British politician William Gladstone. After spending about 30 minutes at the top of the tower, the daredevil pair began climbing back down the spire toward the observation deck, which appeared to have been evacuated by then.

Kissing On Top of the World

As the couple reached a platform at the base of the spire, Beerkus got down on one knee and proposed to Nikolau, who was wearing a black cat mask. She later showed off the engagement ring on Instagram.

The couple was taken into custody without incident, and charges are pending, according to the NYPD.

Nikolau appeared to say “Yes” to the dramatic proposal as a helicopter hovering over the building captured the couple embracing before they removed their masks and shared a kiss. Around midday, the influencer also posted a video of herself standing atop the Empire State Building.

The pair, who are known for scaling skyscrapers, previously starred in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.

Nikolau has built a following by sharing videos and photos of herself climbing towering buildings and pulling off daring stunts while wearing a black cat face covering.

She is frequently seen at the tops of towering skyscrapers alongside musician Beerkus, documenting their high-risk adventures.

Dangerous Stunt

Shortly after the incident, Nikolau shared a series of photos featuring the proposal, including a close-up of her sparkling diamond engagement ring. Officers from the New York City Police Department responded to the scene, and the couple was taken into custody at around 1 p.m, according to CBS News

Sources told the outlet the pair could face charges including trespassing and reckless endangerment.

Tourists and bystanders looked on in disbelief as the dramatic scene unfolded high above them, while the Empire State Building’s observation deck was swiftly evacuated.

Julie Morris, who witnessed the incident, told the outlet: “We were right at the top. I could see two people open the gates – the mesh gates – they opened the gates, and they went up to the top.

“I just assumed they were allowed up there.”

Meanwhile, on the street below the iconic skyscraper, police cordoned off the area with tape and temporarily shut down the surrounding roadway.