New York City witnessed widespread chaos and violence in Manhattan as thousands of New York Knicks fans celebrated the team's first NBA championship since 1973 on Saturday night, June 13, 2026. The jubilant scenes quickly devolved into disorder, resulting in a World Cup shuttle bus being set alight, a teenager suffering a gunshot wound, and numerous other incidents of vandalism and assaults. Police confirmed 63 arrests were made, and ten officers sustained injuries.
The unrest unfolded after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, clinching the series 4-1. Fans poured into the streets, particularly around Madison Square Garden and Times Square, to mark the historic victory. However, the celebrations turned destructive, as detailed in a Reuters tweet: > "A World Cup bus was set alight and a teenager suffered a gunshot wound during chaotic scenes in Manhattan as thousands of basketball fans poured into the streets to celebrate the New York Knicks' historic win in the NBA Finals."
Authorities reported that a 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot near 43rd Street and Broadway, with police transporting the victim to a hospital as ambulances struggled to navigate the dense crowds. Three individuals were taken into custody in connection with the shooting, and a firearm was recovered from the scene. Several school buses, earmarked for transporting spectators for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, were targeted, with one set ablaze and others damaged.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) described the crowds as "increasingly destructive" and engaging in "many incidents of incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior." In addition to the bus fire and shooting, incidents included four slashings or stabbings, destruction of private vehicles, people igniting fireworks in large crowds, and multiple brawls. Ten NYPD officers were injured, with one punched in the face and another struck by a glass bottle.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged the majority of fans celebrated responsibly but condemned the violence. "What should have been a moment of shared pride instead resulted in vandalism, destruction and behavior that put lives at risk," stated First Student, the company owning the damaged buses. Knicks owner James Dolan had also urged restraint from fans following the team's victory. Official celebrations, including a parade, are scheduled for later in the week.
