NEW YORK — Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, returned to court Monday to face criminal charges following their July 1 climb of the Empire State Building. Kuznetsov said outside a Manhattan courthouse their act "was not 'extreme' but about the power of love and peace."
The couple, residents of East Orange, New Jersey, were released under court supervision. Kuznetsov acknowledged the risk they took during their ascent of the landmark.
Prosecutors have charged the pair with reckless endangerment, burglary and criminal mischief. These allegations stem from their unauthorized access to restricted areas of the building.
Investigators allege Kuznetsov and Nikolau entered the building the night before their climb and remained inside overnight. A lock on a security door on the 104th floor was reportedly broken, which allowed access to the building’s broadcasting antenna.
Security cameras captured the couple moving through a hatch on the 102nd floor around 5 a.m. on the day of the climb. Officials said officers responding were forced to face dangerous conditions to bring the pair down safely.
The couple allegedly scaled more than 1,300 feet above Manhattan, ultimately reaching the building’s 1,454-foot antenna. There, they unfurled a banner that read, "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."
Defense attorney Jason Krinsky has argued the charges are excessive for the stunt. Krinsky contends the couple’s actions did not place building occupants or visitors at risk.
Kuznetsov and Nikolau are known online for scaling skyscrapers and other prominent structures globally. They characterized the Empire State Building climb as a "celebration of love."
A grand jury has not yet acted on the charges. The couple was instructed to return to court on Sept. 29, 2026.
