Basketball fans came out to celebrate the New York Knicks' championship win, which escalated into violence including shootings and stabbings, bus arson, and clashes with police.
Foreign news agencies reported that the historic NBA championship celebration by the New York Knicks in New York City spiraled into chaos, with at least one teenager shot and several buses set ablaze.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94–90 in Game 5 on Saturday, securing their first championship in over half a century, prompting massive crowds in New York to flood the streets in celebration.
However, as the crowd grew denser into the early hours of Sunday, 14 June 2026 GMT+7, gunfire erupted near Times Square, injuring a 17-year-old teenager in the foot. Additionally, a school bus used to transport World Cup fans was set on fire, though it is unclear if there were any injuries from that incident.
James Dolan, owner of the New York Knicks, urged fans to remain calm. “We need to tell everyone in New York that we know they are celebrating, and we want everyone to be very happy... but please stay safe. Don’t get hurt, and don’t hurt others,” he said.
Nonetheless, the celebrations turned violent later as fans pouring out of bars and party venues clashed with police officers in Midtown Manhattan.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) stated in a press release to the BBC that the crowd began causing increasing severe damage, describing numerous incidents of highly reckless and dangerous behavior, including setting fire to or smashing five yellow school buses with baseball bats.
The NYPD added that police vehicles were also targeted, with some people using baseball bats to smash and jump on car roofs, shattering windshields.
Other chaos included four separate knife attacks or stabbings, damage to private cars, fireworks set off amid large crowds, fights, and groups refusing to disperse. So far, 63 people have been arrested.
Charges being pursued include assaulting police officers, illegal possession of weapons, intentional property damage, disorderly conduct in public, resisting arrest, and obstructing government officers in their duties.
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Source:bbc