Gunshots rang out and chaos ensued during New York Knicks’ victory celebrations, with fans setting a school bus on fire and vandalizing vehicles.
In Times Square, revelers ignited pieces of clothing and threw them inside a school bus, while others danced on top of the vehicle, resulting in the bus being completely torched. Nearby, images captured the destruction of buses parked near the 42nd Street subway station.
Police reported gunshots fired around 2am near 42nd Street and Broadway, causing panic among the crowd. Despite the commotion, there were no reported injuries. The Knicks secured a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, clinching the series 4-1.
Following the win, rowdy fans clashed with law enforcement, vandalizing property and engaging in disruptive behavior. The NYPD made multiple arrests during the celebrations. Knicks owner James Dolan urged fans to remain calm and safe, emphasizing the importance of responsible celebration.
A victory parade and City Hall ceremony are scheduled to honor the Knicks on Thursday. The elation of the victory spread throughout the city, with fans celebrating in various ways, including singing the team’s anthem and setting off fireworks.
President Donald Trump, a devoted Knicks fan, congratulated the team on their success, praising their playoff performance. Despite previous incidents of violence during the playoffs, authorities urged celebrants to celebrate responsibly and ensure the safety of all participants. Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the need for a peaceful and positive celebration.
The city anticipates a jubilant atmosphere as it commemorates the Knicks’ triumph, marking a historic moment in the team’s 80-year history.
