City workers, police respond as Knicks celebration turns disorderly

The New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 53 years Saturday night, ending decades of frustration for one of the city's most devoted fan bases. But as jubilant celebrations spilled into the streets around Madison Square Garden, several incidents of violence and disorder led to dozens of arrests and left multiple people injured.

The NYPD reported 63 arrests following the championship-clinching victory, along with 10 assaults on police officers. Authorities said one officer was punched in the face and another was struck with a glass bottle. Police also reported four stabbings and the shooting of a 17 year-old boy near West 43rd Street. Three people were arrested in connection with the shooting.

Videos posted on social media showed fans climbing streetlights, dancing on scaffolding and damaging property. In one such incident, a school bus was set on fire, which police said is being investigated by federal authorities.

“As the game progressed and then following the game, the crowds became increasingly destructive, and there were many incidents of incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior,” the NYPD said in a statement. 

Firsthand accounts after the game

According to firsthand accounts by The Chief, after the game police barricaded nearly all Penn Station exits leading toward Madison Square Garden, leaving only one access point onto Seventh Avenue. Thousands of fans poured up four escalators hoping to join the celebrations outside, only to find much of the surrounding area restricted.

The section of Seventh Avenue immediately outside Penn Station had been limited to a single block between West 30th and West 31st streets, apparently to prevent crowds from joining larger gatherings farther north near Times Square, where much of the chaos ensued.

As fans wandered through the station searching for an exit, some complained that police were “trapping us down here,” while others chanted, “Let's go Knicks” and “Wemby sucks!”

Speaking on WFAN, Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised city workers and law enforcement who responded to the celebrations while condemning the violence.

“The vast majority of Knicks fans were celebrating responsibly,” Mamdani said. “There were a few incidents that we saw where people behaved in an unacceptable manner. This is not the kind of conduct we want to see in our city.”

In a social media post Sunday, the mayor also thanked city employees, including members of the NYPD, FDNY, EMS, Department of Sanitation and Department of Transportation, for helping keep New Yorkers safe and restoring order after the celebrations.

PBA calls for stronger message

There were also similar incidents after Game 3 of the Finals, which the Knicks lost. After that game, Police Benevolent Association president Patrick Hendry criticized the violence and seemed to call out Mayor Mamdani to push for a stronger public condemnation of the incidents

“Last night was another shameful display from individuals who are more interested in brawling with each other, ripping up street signs and hurling objects at cops than supporting their team,” Hendry said. “We know New Yorkers are passionate about these NBA Finals, but police officers shouldn’t have to endure a barrage of mayhem after every single game.”

“Our elected leaders need to send a stronger message and make it crystal clear that his behavior won’t be tolerated,” he added. 

According to Mayor Mamdani, there will be a championship parade Thursday June 18 starting at 10am from Battery Park traveling up to City Hall, where the team will be presented with keys to the city.