NEW YORK – A World Cup shuttle bus was destroyed and a teenager was shot during chaotic celebrations that erupted across Midtown Manhattan after the New York Knicks secured their first NBA championship in more than 50 years.
Thousands of jubilant fans flooded the streets on Saturday night following the Knicks’ historic NBA Finals victory, igniting fireworks, setting off smoke grenades, and chanting “Knicks in five” as celebrations spilled into Times Square and surrounding areas.
The championship marks the franchise’s first title since 1973, ending a decades-long wait for one of the NBA’s most passionate fan bases.
Police said a 17-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the foot at approximately 2 a.m. in Times Square. Three persons of interest were later taken into custody as investigations continued.
As crowds swelled, hundreds of revellers surrounded a convoy of approximately 15 shuttle buses that had been transporting football fans from a FIFA World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco in the New York area.
Witnesses reported that some individuals climbed onto the buses, entered the vehicles, and occupied drivers’ seats. One of the yellow school buses hired to transport World Cup spectators was later set on fire and destroyed. At least three additional buses sustained significant damage during the unrest.
Supporters were seen standing on bus roofs waving flags, while others hauled objects, including bicycles, onto the vehicles. A man with a bloodied face was also spotted moving through the crowd, though the cause of his injuries was not immediately known.
“They are expressing their happiness, a little bit violently, but it is what it is,” said Youssef Sabbr, a Canadian of Moroccan descent who had travelled on one of the buses before it was surrounded by crowds.
Authorities initially monitored the celebrations but later deployed officers in riot gear to disperse crowds after disorder escalated. Mounted police were also used to clear streets around Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ home arena.
Witnesses described scenes of fans climbing scaffolding and traffic lights, beating drums, hugging strangers and dancing in the streets.
“It’s like New Year’s Eve times twenty,” said Carol Marino, a New York real estate agent who had been watching the game in a local bar.
Among those celebrating were siblings Dean and Christina Smiros, lifelong Knicks supporters who said they never thought they would witness an NBA championship in their lifetime.
“They have not won since before we were born,” Christina said.
The incidents are expected to raise questions about crowd management and public safety as New York continues to host FIFA World Cup-related events and large-scale sporting celebrations.
Source: Reuters
