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(NEW YORK) — A daredevil couple who climbed to the top of the Empire State Building on Wendesday are expected to appear in court Thursday after spending the first night of their purported engagement in separate holding cells.

Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, Russians with a current address in East Orange, New jersey, were held overnight at at 100 Centre Street, where the Manhattan Criminal Court is located.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office was still reviewing the charges and writing the criminal complaint overnight.  

Police and Empire State Building security personnel are reviewing surveillance video to determine how the two entered and evaded screening at the observation deck.  

Nikolau and Kuznetsov, who have gained an online following for their death-defying skyscraper climbs around the world, stayed on top of the skyscraper for several minutes as cameras rolled on the action before coming down on the spire, the New York Police Department said.

Kuznetsov, who is also known as Ivan Beerkus, appeared to propose to his longtime girlfriend before they were taken into custody.

Both face multiple charges — including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, violation of a local law, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct and possession of burglar’s tools — according to police.

Security was supposed to have been hardened following previous attempts by trespassers to take selfies near the spire.

Officials said they believe the two may have observed building employees and may have used a worker entrance to get around the screening.

ABC News’ Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.

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(PHILADELPHIA) — One of the teen suspects in the fatal shooting of a Penn State University student was arrested in Colorado after the Philadelphia Police Department said it had obtained arrest warrants for two 16-year-old boys.

Azzubair Outen-Fleming was arrested in Colorado Springs at a distant relative’s home, the U.S. Marshals Service of Philadelphia said in a social media post.

Outen-Fleming and Kaiseem Smith are wanted for murder and related offenses for the June 6 slaying of 22-year-old William “Billy” Schmidt, police announced on Tuesday.

Billy Schmidt had been watching the NBA Finals with his friends at a bar and was walking home when he was shot in the chest in an apparent robbery, according to police and his family.

Schmidt was studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus, the university said.

He was set to graduate in December and hoped to work in sports broadcasting, his sister, Anna Schmidt, told ABC News.

She said her brother “was one of the nicest, most genuine and honestly, goofiest, people there is.”

Outen-Fleming was arrested by the U.S. Marshals’ Colorado Violent Offender Task Force, officials said.

“He was arrested at a distant relatives home after attempting to deny his identity,” the U.S. Marshals of Philadelphia said. “He is housed at the Zebulon Pike Youth Center waiting extradition back to” Philadelphia.

Police ask anyone with information on the suspects’ whereabouts to call the department’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

ABC News’ Jessica Gorman contributed to this report.

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(CALIFORNIA) — U.S. Forest Service Rangers rescued a woman over the weekend who was climbing Mt. Shasta in California and fell over 1,500 feet in the snow.

The unidentified 31-year-old woman was part of a group of three novice climbers who were ascending the Left of Heart variation of the Avalanche Gulch route on Mount Shasta on Sunday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Around noon that day, the rangers got a call about the woman falling approximately 1,500 vertical feet before coming to rest on the mountain, according to the Forest Service.

Weather conditions prevented a helicopter rescue so three rangers ascended on foot, the Forest Service said.

They were assisted by one member of the climbing party who had descended to help carry rescue equipment, according to the Forest Service. Another climber who happened to be in the area also stopped to assist the injured climber and remained with the group throughout the rescue, the Forest Service said.

The woman who fell was found safe and in good spirits with a suspected fractured right ankle and other injuries, according to the Forest Service.

The civilian and Forest Service rescuers secured the woman in a SKED rescue litter and lowered her to Lake Helen before a California Highway Patrol helicopter transported her to a hospital, the Forest Service said.

“This incident serves as an important reminder that Mount Shasta is a high-altitude mountaineering environment, not a hike. Even experienced climbers can encounter rapidly changing weather, steep snow and ice, rockfall, and hazardous fall conditions,” the U.S. Forest Service said in a statement.

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(NEW YORK) — A daredevil couple climbed to the top of the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner on top of its spire Wednesday afternoon, taking their love to new heights.

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, who have gained an online following for their death-defying skyscraper climbs around the world, stayed on top of the skyscraper for several minutes as cameras rolled on the action before coming down on the spire, police sources told ABC News.

Beerkus then appeared to propose to his longtime girlfriend before they were taken into custody.

The black banner appeared to reference a Jimi Hendrix quote and said in white letters, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

The banner has been recovered, police said.  

An NYPD helicopter was sent and the building’s observation deck was cleared of visitors as police arrived. The observation deck was reopened later in the afternoon.

The top of the building’s spire is 1,454 feet above the ground.

It was not immediately clear how the couple got into position to free climb the metal structure that services the spire, broadcast antenna and red anti-collision beacon atop the building.  

A spokesperson for the Empire State Building said in a statement to ABC News that there was at no time danger to the building’s tenants or visitors.

“It is to be emphasized that the Empire State Building Observation Deck, atop the World’s Most Famous Building in the center of New York City, does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals,” the spokesman said in a statement.

The Empire State Building’s rules prohibit masks and costumes.  

The observation deck was reopened later in the afternoon on Wednesday.

They were featured in a 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” The film showcased the couple’s climb of Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, the world’s second tallest building at 2,227 feet.

The Russian couple have frequently posted photos of their stunts on their social media pages. In many of their posts, they are seen standing and posing at the edge of buildings from extreme heights.

Some of their posts show them hugging and kissing while on top of buildings.

Nikolau and Beerkus appeared to chronicle their climb up the Empire State Building on social media Wednesday and posted close-up images of the proposal from the spire along closeups of the engagement ring.

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(VINTON COUNTY, Ohio) — Four people have been charged with child endangerment after 16 children were removed from a home in Ohio where officials say they were living in “deplorable conditions.”

Authorities executed a search warrant at the home in Hamden in Vinton County on Tuesday, where they say they found the children and four suspects inside.

Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer said this is not a case of human trafficking, but an “intra-family situation.”

The four suspects – Gary Siders Sr., 73; Christina Siders, 67; Gary Siders II, 36; and Elizabeth Siders, 33 – have each been charged with 16 counts of endangering children, a second-degree felony, according to officials. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment Wednesday morning and their bond was set at $300,000 each.

The charges allege the four suspects abused the children, resulting in “serious physical harm.”  

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said the evidence in the case is “beyond comprehension.”

The children range in age from 1 ½ to 18, according to Wilson. He did not go into the nature of the injuries but said seven of the children were transported to the hospital on Tuesday, including two who were airlifted there. 

Archer said the children are safe and officials are working to have them placed in temporary custody.

“They are currently in a good situation and are being protected,” he said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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(NEW YORK) — Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building Thursday afternoon and unfurled a flag on top of its spire.

The unidentified people appear to be wearing masks.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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(PHILADELPHIA) — The Philadelphia Police Department said it’s obtained arrest warrants for two 16-year-old boys in the fatal shooting of a Penn State University student.

Kaiseem Smith and Azzubair Outen-Fleming are wanted for murder and related offenses for the June 6 slaying of 22-year-old William “Billy” Schmidt, police announced on Tuesday.

Billy Schmidt had been watching the NBA Finals with his friends at a bar and was walking home when he was shot in the chest in an apparent robbery, according to police and his family.

Schmidt was studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus, the university said.

He was set to graduate in December and hoped to work in sports broadcasting, his sister, Anna Schmidt, told ABC News.

She said her brother “was one of the nicest, most genuine and honestly, goofiest, people there is.”

Police ask anyone with information on the suspects’ whereabouts to call the department’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

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(NEW YORK) — The brother of an NFL player was arrested Tuesday in Atlanta after he allegedly killed his mother in her home the day before, according to police

Ciarre Campbell was charged Tuesday with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife in connection with the killing of Nateal Campbell, 71, the Atlanta Police Department said in its arrest warrant.

The suspect is the younger brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell, who used to play for the Atlanta Falcons.

Lt. Christopher Butler of the Atlanta Police Department told reporters Tuesday that officers received a call for a welfare check Monday from a “concerned family member.” When officers arrived at the home they found the Nateal Campbell’s body, according to Butler.

“A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location a possible arson incident,” Butler said. “There have been some indications of possible some mental health issues with an individual.”

Ciarre Campbell’s arraignment is pending.

Jay Abt, an attorney representing the suspect, told ABC affiliate WSB that his client is innocent until proven guilty.

“We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court. I’m honored to defend him and, most importantly, the Campbell family, I’m asking on their behalf that the public respect their privacy at this time,” he told the station.

Calais Campbell’s family released a statement to ESPN Wednesday asking for privacy.

“We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell. While the details of her passing are still being investigated, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the family said.

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(NEW YORK) –A dangerous heat wave is bringing prolonged extreme heat to the Midwest, the South and the East Coast this week.

The heat started in the Midwest, where extreme humidity levels are rivaling the Amazon rainforest, creating life-threatening conditions for tens of millions of people.

Chicago activated cooling centers throughout the city, including at community service centers, senior centers, libraries, city colleges and police districts. Chicago Public Schools said all summer programming will be inside through Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the dangerous heat expands from the Midwest and the South into the Northeast.

The heat index — what temperature it feels like with humidity — is forecast to soar to 104 degrees in Chicago, 109 in Detroit, 104 in New York City, 107 in Philadelphia, 108 in Washington, D.C., and 111 in Nashville, Tennessee.

By Thursday, the heat index could reach 106 degrees in Boston, a scorching 111 degrees in New York, 110 in Washington, D.C., and 109 in St. Louis, Missouri.

There will be minimal relief overnight, which makes the heat even more dangerous.

The unrelenting heat will continue on Friday. The heat index is forecast to hit 107 degrees in New York, 110 in D.C., 105 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and 109 in Memphis, Tennessee.

It’ll stay hot and humid on the 4th of July on Saturday, with triple digit heat indices across the Midwest, South and Northeast.

Extreme heat is considered the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S.
At least 13,000 Americans have died from heat since 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Click here for tips on how to stay safe.

ABC News’ Dan Peck and Michelle Simmons contributed to this report.

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(WILKES COUNTY, N.C.) — A United States Postal Service letter carrier was murdered while delivering mail on her rural North Carolina route, authorities said.

Brandi Reynolds, a 35-year-old mother of two, was shot and found dead by responding authorities in Wilkes County, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The incident occurred Friday afternoon, while she was on her route, according to the United States Postal Inspection Service.

William Craig Durham, 56, was subsequently arrested in connection with the deadly shooting and has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, court records show.

The charges allege that Durham restrained and kidnapped Reynolds “for the purpose of terrorizing” her and “did of malice aforethought kill and murder” her, according to a court filing. Authorities have not released any further information, including an alleged motive and any connection between the victim and suspect.

Durham is being held without bond following his initial court appearance on Monday, online records show.

The judge noted that Durham has a “significant criminal record,” a court filing shows. His prior convictions include second-degree kidnapping and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to court filings.

Durham’s attorney had no comment when contacted by ABC News.

The homicide investigation is being conducted jointly by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service said no additional information on the case is being released at this time amid the ongoing investigation.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and co-workers,” the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said in a statement.

Reynolds was remembered as a friendly and dependable presence in the community.

“Outgoing, friendly, usually never missed a beat. We could count on her,” Julie Smith, who received mail from Reynolds along her route, told ABC Greensboro affiliate WXLV. “I think if you ask anybody in the community, they would probably tell you the same thing.”

“My heart broke for her family and for her children,” she said.

Reynolds is survived by two daughters, who were “her whole world,” her obituary noted.  

Tragedy previously struck the family last year, when her husband, Brent Andrew Reynolds, died in a car crash in December 2025.

His obituary remembered him as a “loving and devoted husband, father, son, and brother,” and called Brandi his “soulmate” and their two girls the “light of his life.”

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