The couple who climbed the Empire State Building risk expulsion: hearing in January

Last July 1st Kuznetsov, 32 years old, and Nikolau, 33, reached the antenna of the Empire State Building, the famous 443 meter high skyscraper in Manhattan. Dressed in black and with their faces covered, they unfurled a banner with a message of peace: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace". Then, on a lower platform, Kuznetsov proposed marriage to his partner.

According to the reconstruction of the investigators, the two had entered the building by regularly purchasing tickets, and then remained hidden inside during the night. They would then have reached the restricted areas and the antenna, passing a security door whose lock, according to the accusation, would have been damaged. The police intervened to stop them and the couple was arrested after getting off.

The matter returned to the center of attention after the hearing on 12 November. According to the couple's lawyer, Noam Biale, the Manhattan prosecutor's office backed away from the possibility of a plea bargain for minor crimes, which would have limited the judicial consequences and especially those on immigration.

Prosecutors instead intend to prosecute more serious crimes. A conviction could lead to prison and deportation from the United States, where the two are on visas related to their artistic activities. The prosecutor's office, however, disputes the lawyer's reconstruction, claiming that no formal plea bargain offer had been presented.

The lawyer also expressed concern about the possible consequences of a return to Russia: in his opinion, Kuznetsov could be called to fight in the war in Ukraine, while Nikolau would risk repercussions for his artistic activities. At the moment, these are fears expressed by the defense and not measures already taken.

The two are known on social media for their spectacular climbs of skyscrapers and other high-altitude structures, a practice known as "rooftopping." Their exploits, often carried out without authorization, are documented through photographs and videos published online.

The couple is also featured in the 2024 documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story," available on Netflix, which chronicles their relationship and extreme rock climbing, including on the Merdeka 118 skyscraper in Malaysia.

In a recent interview on American television, Kuznetsov and Nikolau defended climbing the Empire State Building as a form of artistic expression and a message of love and peace. They recognized the risks of the enterprise, inviting other people not to imitate them, and said they were ready to assume their responsibilities. The next hearing is set for January 28, 2027.