Couple who climbed Empire State Building for proposal faces new court date

Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau appeared before a judge on Monday on charges that include reckless endangerment, burglary and criminal mischief. In early July they climbed to the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna, which rises 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan, and unfurled a banner with a peace-themed message before descending and reenacting a proposal. Police detained them just after 1 p.m. on July 1, noting that they had entered the building the previous night and entered prohibited zones.

The defense argues that the indictment overstates the conduct. Prosecutors maintain the seriousness of the offenses. A subsequent court date is scheduled for September 29.