A marriage proposal thousands of feet above the streets of Manhattan has gone viral after rooftop explorers Angela Nikolau and Evan Birkus reportedly got engaged after climbing to the top of the 1,454-foot-tall Empire State Building.

Birkus proposed to Nikolau at the summit of the iconic skyscraper during the risky stunt, turning one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks into an unlikely engagement destination.

A Proposal Above the City

Videos and photographs shared online show the couple standing at the peak of the building overlooking the skyline of New York City. Moments later, Birkus is seen going down on one knee before presenting a ring to Nikolau.

The proposal, staged hundreds of metres above the city, quickly attracted attention across social media platforms, with users describing it as both breathtaking and reckless.

The couple also unfurled a banner carrying a message of peace while standing atop the structure, adding another striking visual to the already dramatic moment.

Police Take Couple Into Custody

According to reports, Nikolau and Birkus remained on top of the building for around ten minutes before making their way down.

Police officers took the pair into custody shortly after their descent. Authorities have not publicly detailed the charges, but unauthorized access to restricted areas and trespassing violations can carry legal consequences in the United States.

Known Faces in the Rooftopping Community

The couple are among the best-known figures in the world of urban climbing and rooftopping, a subculture built around scaling skyscrapers and capturing images from extreme heights.

Their photographs and videos have earned millions of views online, although critics have frequently questioned the safety and legality of such stunts.

Romance Meets Risk

For supporters, it was a once-in-a-lifetime proposal above one of the world’s most famous skylines. For others, it was another reminder that viral moments at extreme heights often come with significant risks.