NEW YORK - A teenager was shot and multiple school buses were destroyed during chaotic scenes in New York City that marred jubilant celebrations for the Knicks' historic NBA championship win. The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in game five on Saturday to clinch the title for the first time in more than half a century. The game took place in Texas, but New Yorkers flooded their hometown streets to celebrate the milestone.
Gunfire Erupts Near Times Square
As crowds swelled into the early hours, gunfire rang out near Times Square. A 17-year-old was wounded, and school buses that had been used to transport World Cup fans were set on fire. It remains unclear if anyone was hurt in the bus incidents. Knicks owner James Dolan had urged restraint after the victory. "We need to tell everybody in New York that we know that they're celebrating, we want them to have a great time," said Dolan, interrupting a news conference. "Please be safe. Don't get hurt, don't hurt anybody."
Violence Erupts in Midtown
Despite the plea, celebrations turned violent as fans leaving bars and viewing parties clashed with police in Midtown Manhattan. The NYPD stated that crowds became "increasingly destructive" with "many incidents of incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior." Five yellow school buses were set alight or destroyed with bats, and people jumped on them. The buses had been used to shuttle World Cup fans after a match between Brazil and Morocco. Revelers were photographed swarming the buses, climbing onto roofs, and posing inside. Bystanders gathered as one bus was engulfed in flames. Police cars were also targeted, with some individuals using bats to damage them and jumping on top, shattering windshields.
Shooting and Arrests
Gunshots were reported near 42nd Street and Broadway at around 02:00 EDT (06:00 GMT) on Sunday, prompting a stampede. A 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot; no fatalities were reported. The victim was transported to a hospital in an NYPD vehicle because an ambulance could not access 43rd Street due to crowds. Three persons of interest were taken into custody, and a firearm was recovered. Other incidents included four slashings or stabbings, destruction of private vehicles, fireworks in crowds, brawls, and refusal to disperse. Sixty-three people were arrested on charges including assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of governmental administration. Ten police officers were injured, including one punched in the face and another struck with a glass bottle.
Earlier Celebrations and Future Events
Earlier, a party atmosphere had prevailed across the city. Emergency service workers shouted "Let's go Knicks" through loudspeakers, strangers hugged, and drivers honked. "Oh my God. It's like New Year's Eve times 20," said Carol Marino, who watched the game in a bar. "I'm so overwhelmed. I'm so happy," added Mathieu Ogno at a watch party in Central Park. Official celebrations will take place on Thursday with a parade and a city hall ceremony, announced New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's office.
