From the top of the world to a New York City jail cell.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.The couple who climbed to the top of the Empire State Building this week were criminally charged on Thursday in connection with scaling the New York City skyscraper.Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, were each charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief and an additional charge related to climbing the nearly 1,500 foot tall building on Wednesday, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.The couple scaled the building dressed in dark outfits and masks, then displayed a flag on the antenna reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”Add NBC News to GoogleTwo arrested after scaling Empire State Building in daring stunt02:09Both pleaded not guilty.
Their case is not bail eligible so they will remain free as under supervised release rather than in custody as they await a potential trial.The pair were swarmed by journalists as they left the Downtown Manhattan courthouse Thursday morning, hand in hand.“We’ll answer later.
Right now we’re not ready.We just need to relax,” Kuznetsov said to a flurry of questions.
The couple spent the night in a jail.Kuznetsov said his cell was cold, but that “the people are nice there.” Asked about the national attention their stunt had drawn, he replied simply: “It’s great.” Before heading into the subway, the two kissed for photographers.Their attorney, Jason Krinsky, said in a phone call that his clients did not pose a danger to the public, noting that the wind speeds were “very low” at the time.
He also cited a statement from the Empire State building on the matter which said there was “no time danger to tenants, visitors, and Empire State Building Observation Deck guests.”Krinsky said the couple would return to their...