New York Knicks Fans Celebrate Championship in Times Square
On the night of June 14, 2026, Manhattan found itself enveloped in chaos as thousands of New York Knicks fans took to the streets to rejoice in the team’s long-awaited NBA championship, marking the end of a 53-year drought.
The celebrations turned wild, with reports of vandalism including the destruction of NYPD vehicles and a bus being set ablaze in Times Square. Authorities noted that 63 individuals were arrested during the mayhem, including a 17-year-old who suffered a gunshot wound in the leg. Emergency responders struggled to reach him due to the overwhelming crowd, and he was ultimately transported to a hospital by NYPD officers.
Video footage revealed large crowds converging around a yellow school bus, which was reportedly meant for fans traveling to a FIFA World Cup match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It was reported that five school buses were set on fire, damaged with bats, and that revelers climbed on them.
The NYPD commented, saying, “As the game progressed and after the game, the crowd became increasingly destructive, resulting in a number of incredibly reckless and dangerous acts.”
In addition to the bus incidents, fans vandalized an NYPD vehicle and parked cars nearby, climbed traffic lights, and set off fireworks in the densely packed area. Multiple roads were closed as fights erupted among the crowd.
Furthermore, the police reported four stabbings, with 15 others facing charges. These charges included assaulting a police officer, possessing weapons illegally, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani remarked, “While the majority of New Yorkers celebrated appropriately, there were some who did not. We’ve said it many times: no matter how excited we are, violence, whether toward police officers or others, will not be tolerated. We thank the NYPD for keeping our city safe.”
Amid the chaos, mounted police officers donned safety goggles and formed a line to disband the crowd from the streets following a small garbage fire. Crowd control units were also positioned to help restore order.
At least 10 NYPD officers sustained injuries, one being punched in the face and another assaulted with a glass bottle.
Interestingly, Madison Square Garden canceled its official viewing party for Game 4 following a public disagreement with city officials concerning security measures. The cancellation came amidst criticism from the NYPD and the mayor regarding the city’s proposed security plan, which included a significant perimeter around the arena and heightened crowd control protocols.
