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The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported the arrest of 63 people following the New York Knicks' NBA championship win against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday (June 13). The victory, celebrated by fans across the city, marked the Knicks' first NBA title in over 50 years.
The celebrations, however, turned chaotic as fans flooded the streets, particularly around Madison Square Garden and Times Square. According to the NYPD, incidents included the burning of five school buses, damage to police cars, and a 17-year-old boy being shot in the foot. Video footage shared on social media showed buses on fire and fans chanting while lighting fireworks.
Among those arrested, charges ranged from assault on a police officer to criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. Ten officers sustained injuries, with one officer punched in the face and another hit with a glass bottle. The NYPD also reported four slashings or stabbings during the unrest.
Despite the chaos, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a ticker tape parade for Thursday to celebrate the Knicks' historic win. This will be the first such parade in the team's history, honoring a victory that the city has awaited for generations.
The NYPD maintained a heavy presence throughout the celebrations, but the situation escalated as crowds grew larger and more unruly. The police reported that the most significant incidents occurred outside the designated security zones.
Knicks owner James Dolan had urged fans to celebrate safely. However, as the night progressed, the celebrations became increasingly destructive, leading to widespread damage and multiple arrests.