Riots Erupt in Manhattan After Knicks Viewing Party
On Monday night, chaos erupted on Manhattan’s 42nd Street as roughly 7,000 enthusiastic New York Knicks fans flooded outside Bryant Park during a live viewing party for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
The external event, anticipated by many, was initially set to take place outside Madison Square Garden. However, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani announced a cancelation of the watch party due to increased security measures for President Donald Trump’s attendance. For the 5,000-person viewing party at Bryant Park, attendees were required to pre-register.
As the gathering commenced in the park, many fans who couldn’t gain entry began causing disturbances, damaging street infrastructure, and confronting police officers.
Authorities reported encountering about 7,000 individuals in and around Bryant Park when the disturbances began. Video footage captured people climbing scaffolding, trampling over police vehicles, uprooting trees, and engaging in physical altercations.
Fans were seen using a bus stop sign as a weapon in a brawl before law enforcement intervened. Some threw beer bottles at police, prompting the use of pepper spray to control the crowd. Reports noted that some attendees attempted to climb onto a passing NYPD vehicle while yelling provocatively.
Additional police units donned in riot gear were dispatched to break up the unrest.
According to the New York City Police Department, 21 individuals were taken into custody; eight were formally charged, while the others were released after being summoned to court on disorderly conduct charges. Two of those detained faced charges of assaulting a police officer, while one individual was charged with attempted assault on an officer. Additionally, five officers sustained injuries.
Patrick Hendry, president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, condemned the night’s festivities, stating, “Last night demonstrated a disgraceful act by people more focused on violence than supporting their team.” He suggested that more decisive measures need to be taken to prevent such behavior in the future.
Even after losing 115-111 to the Spurs in Game 3, the Knicks still lead the series 1-1. Game 4 is set for Wednesday, with announcements indicating that outdoor viewing events will resume.
