Thousands of ecstatic fans poured into the streets of New York to celebrate an NBA championship victory that was 53 years in the making. However, the jubilant celebrations eventually descended into chaos as a shuttle bus transporting World Cup spectators was set on fire and a teenager was shot amid the frenzy.
On Saturday night (June 13), the New York Knicks clinched the championship title by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, marking the team's first title since 1973. Following the historic victory, fans streamed out of bars, restaurants, and open-air viewing venues into the streets. Areas across Manhattan erupted with fireworks, smoke bombs, and resounding chants of "Knicks in Five."
Around 2:00 AM local time, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the leg amid the celebrations in Times Square. Police have detained three suspects in connection with the shooting.
Meanwhile, following a World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco held in the New York region, a crowd of hundreds surrounded a convoy of about 15 shuttle buses transporting spectators. Many individuals climbed onto the roofs of the buses, while some even entered the driver's seats. One of the yellow school buses hired by the New York City administration was completely destroyed by fire, and at least three other buses sustained heavy damage.
In one instance, a bicycle was lifted onto the roof of a bus. Brazilian supporters were also seen joining Knicks fans on top of the vehicles, waving their national flags. During the commotion, a man with a bloodied face was seen walking through the crowd, though the cause of his injuries remains unknown.
Youssef Sabr, a 49-year-old Canadian-Moroccan national who was aboard one of the World Cup shuttles, remarked, "People are expressing joy, albeit a bit violently. But this is something you see in many parts of the world when a team wins."
After monitoring the situation for nearly two hours, police deployed in riot gear. Supported by mounted police units, authorities successfully cleared the streets surrounding Madison Square Garden.
Carol Marino, a New York resident and real estate agent, described the atmosphere, saying, "This is like New Year's Eve multiplied by twenty."
Longtime Knicks supporters Dean and Christina Smiros shared that their favorite team had last won a title before they were even born. They expressed immense joy at witnessing the team become champions for the first time in their lives.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
