Russian Couple Who Climbed Empire State Building Urge Others Not to Repeat the Feat

A Russian couple who climbed the Empire State Building have spoken out urging others not to attempt to repeat their ascent, following their unauthorized climb up the skyscraper's spire.

Angelina Nikolau, one half of the couple, said that the pair carried out the climb "in the name of the power of love and peace," framing the act as a symbolic gesture rather than a stunt meant to encourage imitation.

A risky and unauthorized act

Climbing skyscrapers without authorization is illegal in most jurisdictions and carries significant safety risks, both for the climbers themselves and for others who might attempt similar feats after being inspired by viral accounts of such climbs.

The Empire State Building, one of New York City's most iconic landmarks, has previously been the site of other unauthorized climbing attempts, which building security and city authorities generally treat as serious safety and security incidents.

It remains unclear what legal consequences, if any, the couple faced as a result of the climb, or how they were able to access the structure to carry out the ascent.

The couple's public appeal for others not to follow their example reflects an awareness of the dangers involved, even as their own climb drew significant attention online.