Russian Couple Who Climbed the Empire State Building Face Deportation Risk as Lawyer Says Plea Offer Was Pulled

The Russian couple who climbed to the top of New York City's Empire State Building, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, now face the risk of deportation and jail time. Their attorney says an offer from prosecutors that would have shielded them from immigration consequences in exchange for pleading guilty to lesser charges has been taken off the table.

In July, the couple scaled the skyscraper and displayed a black flag bearing the message, “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” Kuznetsov then proposed to Nikolau immediately afterwards. The whole stunt was caught on camera and went viral.

They face felony charges of first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree burglary, as well as a misdemeanor charge of unlawful climbing.

The climbers appeared in court on Thursday for another hearing in the case. Their attorney, Noam Biale, said his team had accepted an offer from prosecutors under which, if the climbers pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, they would be shielded from what he called “catastrophic immigration consequences.” Biale said, however, that the offer was taken off the table the night before Thursday's appearance.

Addressing reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing, Kuznetsov said, “We didn't damage any property. We didn't intend to put anyone in danger.” He added, “We just wanted to send message of love, and we're ready to defend ourselves.” He stood holding hands with Nikolau, his fiancée of nearly four months, who broke down in tears outside the courthouse.

Biale warned that if they are sent back to Russia, Kuznetsov will almost certainly be sent to fight in the war in Ukraine, and Nikolau may be jailed for her artistic expression.

A spokesperson for the District Attorney's office, however, said in a statement to Fox News Digital, “As we stated in court, it is not accurate to state that any offer was withdrawn. The charges remain the same.”