Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, could face jail time and possible deportation after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building in July. The Russian pair drew widespread attention after raising a black flag with a message about love and peace. Kuznetsov proposed to Nikolau moments later, and the climb was filmed.
The couple appeared in court Thursday. They are charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree burglary, along with misdemeanor unlawful climbing.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Kuznetsov said they had not damaged property or meant to endanger anyone. He said they wanted to share a message of love and were prepared to defend themselves. Nikolau, his fiancée, stood beside him and became emotional outside the courthouse.
Their attorney, Noam Biale, said prosecutors had offered an agreement under which the pair could plead guilty to misdemeanors and avoid what he described as serious immigration consequences. Biale said the offer was no longer available by the night before Thursday’s hearing.
He also warned that deportation could put Kuznetsov at risk of being sent to fight in the war in Ukraine, while Nikolau could face jail in Russia over her artistic expression.
A spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney’s office disputed the attorney’s account, saying in a statement that no offer had been withdrawn and that the charges remained unchanged.
