Not every proposal has a happy ending and this incident is a perfect proof. For most couples, getting engaged atop New York City’s iconic Empire State Building means getting permissions, buying an observation deck ticket, waiting for sunset, and perhaps recreating a scene straight out of Sleepless in Seattle. But this Russian daredevil couple decided to do it the other way, the illegal and life-threatening way. Their illegal climb ultimately ended them in handcuffs.Let’s find out what happened:The videoA video is going viral on social media where a couple in black attire and mask can be seen on the roof of the iconic Empire State Building in New York City. On July 1, Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan “Vanya” Beerkus left New Yorkers and the world shocked when they climbed the antenna spire of the Empire State Building, which is nearly 1,454 feet (443 metres) above the streets below. In the video, the couple can be seen without any visible safety equipment on the top of the building. Then they come down on a platform, the couple kissed, unfurled a banner reading, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” Beerkus gets down on one knee and proposes, she accepts and they kiss. The couple is now arrestedBut moments later, New York Police Dept. officers arrested the pair after they came down. Now, the couple is facing multiple charges including burglary, criminal trespass, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.The video of the dramatic incident went viral in no time not only because it happened atop one of the world’s most recognisable tourist attractions.The attraction that defines New YorkThe Empire State Building is a historic site which was completed in 1931. It was the period of the Great Depression. The Art Deco masterpiece stood as the tallest building in the world for over 40 years. Today, its silhouette dominates the Manhattan skyline making it New York City’s one of the most visited landmarks.Every year, around four million visitors travel from across the globe. People come here to admire panoramic views stretching across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey.Hollywood connectionThe building has appeared in more than 250 films and television shows, including the blockbuster King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember and Elf, among others.A hub of proposals
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Despite this week’s headlines, the Empire State Building has long been associated with love and romance. The site has seen thousands of marriage proposals making it an iconic proposal hub.Valentine’s Day special marriage arrangementsThe 86th-floor open-air observation deck is quite a popular sunset point, when the city lights begin to sparkle beneath visitors. On Valentine’s Day, the building even hosts an exclusive wedding event where selected couples are allowed to marry on the observation deck.What can tourists actually visit
Regular visitors can access two observation decks:86th floor observation deckThe building’s most famous open-air viewing platformOffers unobstructed 360-degree views of New York City102nd Floor ObservatorySo next time you visit New York, don’t go dare deviling anywhere!
