Chaos at Knicks Finals Watch Party Injures NYPD Officers
What to know
- Unruly Knicks fans caused chaos during a Bryant Park watch party for NBA Finals Game 3, with crowds blocking traffic, climbing on structures, ripping signs and trees from the ground, and throwing objects that injured multiple NYPD officers.
- Police said at least 21 people were taken into custody, including eight arrests on charges such as assault, weapon possession and obstructing governmental administration, while others received disorderly conduct summonses.
- The disorder unfolded after the Knicks lost to the Spurs at Madison Square Garden and came amid heightened security tied to President Trump’s attendance at the game, raising questions about whether future Manhattan watch parties will continue.
Source New York Daily News
Unruly Knicks fans went wild at a watch party at Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, blocking traffic on W. 42nd St., ripping trees out of the ground and injuring least two NYPD cops, police said Tuesday.
Up to five officers were injured, some by glass objects that were thrown, late Monday, according to the Police Benevolent Association, the NYPD’s largest union. Twenty-one people were taken into custody, including one at the Wollman Rink watch party in Central Park, late Monday.
The mayhem came as the Knicks lost the NBA Finals Game 3 to the Spurs at Madison Square Garden.
“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,” PBA President Patrick 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.”
Thirteen of the suspects were issued summonses for disorderly conduct with the other eight arrested and held on various charges, including assault, weapon possession and obstructing governmental administration.
“Our elected leaders need to send a stronger message and make it crystal clear that this behavior won’t be tolerated,” Hendy said.
There were no incidents reported at the Brooklyn Bowl watch party.
There was no immediate comment from Mayor Mamdani, who authorized the watch party after one outside Madison Square Garden was called off because President Trump was at the game and the Secret Service and NYPD put in place strict security measures inside and outside the arena.
Some 5,000 people were let into Bryant Park to watch the game and police estimate there were another 2,000 fans in the surrounding area.
At some point, a police official said, a large group brought traffic to a halt on W. 42d St. and refused to disperse, with multiple fights breaking out and troublemakers climbing atop scaffolding, light poles and police vehicles.
Glass objects were thrown between people fighting — and at officers, the official said. Bus signs and trees were ripped out of the ground.
It wasn’t clear if the mayhem would cause city officials to rethink a plan to hold a watch party outside the Garden when Game 4 is played Wednesday night.
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