A teenager was shot, five buses were destroyed, and 63 people were arrested during chaotic scenes in New York City that marred celebrations for the New York Knicks’ historic NBA championship victory.
A total of 63 people were arrested overnight in connection with the Knicks game, the NYPD said. Charges include assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration, police said to CNN.
Earlier, the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94–90 in game five on Saturday to clinch the title for the first time in more than half a century. Whilst the match took place in Texas, tens of thousands of jubilant fans flooded the streets of Manhattan to toast the milestone.
The atmosphere turned destructive as the night wore on, with fans spilling out of bars and viewing parties clashing with officers in Midtown Manhattan. In Times Square, five school buses – previously used to shuttle fans to MetLife Stadium for World Cup matches – were set ablaze.
On Sixth Avenue, five police cars were badly damaged around two in the morning local time on Sunday after individuals attacked the vehicles with bats and jumped on them.
Gunfire rang out near 42nd Street and Broadway, prompting crowds to flee for cover. A 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot; he was transported to hospital in an NYPD vehicle because heavy crowds prevented an ambulance from accessing the scene. Three people of interest were taken into custody, and a firearm was recovered.
The NYPD reported that 10 officers were injured overnight, including one member of the force who was punched in the face and another struck with a glass bottle. Other reported disorders included four slashings or stabbings, brawls, and the lighting of fireworks in dense crowds.
Knicks owner James Dolan had earlier called for restraint during a news conference with player Josh Hart. “We want them to have a great time,” Dolan said. “Please be safe. Don’t get hurt, don’t hurt anybody.”
The NYPD noted that this violent behaviour followed similar unrest after Game 4, when 56 people were taken into custody and 10 officers were injured.
Official celebrations, including a parade and a ceremony at City Hall, are scheduled to take place on Thursday, according to the office of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
