REPORTER:
00:00:47
This is all happening at the Empire State Building at the top of the spire.
TOM HANSON:
00:00:51
Two attention-seeking daredevils got exactly what they were looking for.
REPORTER:
00:00:54
This is an area off limits to the general public, typically a highly restricted area.
TOM HANSON:
00:00:59
Today, the masked duo Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus scaled the Empire State Building's 1,454-foot antenna.
REPORTER:
00:01:06
These police officers have to make their way on a dangerous climb.
TOM HANSON:
00:01:10
Gawkers looked skyward as the NYPD shut down several streets and swarmed in. The cops knew right away, so they locked down the building. Everybody was stuck in the 83rd floor, I believe.
POLICE OFFICER:
00:01:21
You can't be up here.
TOM HANSON:
00:01:22
New police body-cam video released by the NYPD shows the moment officers confronted the self-proclaimed Russian rooftoppers and apprehended them.
ANGELA NIKOLAU:
00:01:31
I'm OK.
REPORTER:
00:01:33
It does appear that people have been removed from the observation decks.
TOM HANSON:
00:01:37
This family, visiting from Scotland, witnessed the ordeal from the observation deck. Probably hoping they didn't fall. Yeah, for sure-- on me! Could you imagine?
TOM HANSON:
00:01:46
Once on top, the couple dangerously climbed up and down the spire and held on with just one hand as they unfurled a banner which read, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." Livestreaming from the base, the man dropped to his knee and proposed, posting it on Instagram. The moment caught the attention of an NYPD helicopter pilot.
PILOT:
00:02:07
He just proposed to her.
TOM HANSON:
00:02:09
Minutes later, the couple was taken into custody.
POLICE OFFICER:
00:02:12
What language you guys speak?
IVAN BEERKUS:
00:02:13
Russia.
ANGELA NIKOLAU:
00:02:14
Russian. And, Tony, This isn't the first time the couple has carried out a dangerous stunt like this. They're known on social media for climbing other tall buildings around the world. And among their charges, burglary and reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and criminal trespassing, Tony. Tom, thank you very much.
