Knicks NBA Championship Celebration in Manhattan Sees Teen Shot, Five Buses Torched
A 17-year-old was shot and five school buses were torched during chaotic scenes in New York City, marring celebrations for the Knicks' historic NBA championship win. The New York Knicks secured their first title in over half a century by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94–90 in game five on Saturday, played in Texas.
Despite the game's location, New Yorkers flocked to the streets to mark the milestone. As crowds swelled into the early hours, gunfire erupted near Times Square, wounding a teenager. Separately, five yellow school buses, previously used to transport World Cup football fans, were set alight or significantly damaged by individuals jumping on them and using bats. It remains unclear if anyone sustained injuries in the bus incidents.
Knicks owner James Dolan had urged restraint following his team's victory. However, celebrations quickly turned violent as fans exiting bars and viewing parties clashed with law enforcement in Midtown Manhattan. The New York Police Department (NYPD) stated that crowds became "increasingly destructive" with "many incidents of incredibly reckless and dangerous behaviour."
Police vehicles were also targeted, with some individuals damaging them with bats and shattering windscreens. Gunshots were reported near 42nd Street and Broadway around 02:00 EDT (06:00 GMT) on Sunday, leading to a scramble for cover. The 17-year-old victim, shot in the foot, was transported to hospital in an NYPD vehicle due to ambulance access being impeded by crowds. Three individuals were taken into custody, and a firearm was recovered.
Further disorder reported by police included four slashings/stabbings, destruction of private vehicles, fireworks being set off in large crowds, brawls, and widespread refusal to disperse. Sixty-three people were arrested, facing charges including assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct. Ten police officers sustained injuries, including one punched in the face and another struck with a glass bottle. Official city celebrations, including a parade and city hall ceremony, are scheduled for Thursday.
