Chaos in New York after NBA triumph: 17-year-old shot in foot

New York City erupted in a mix of celebration and chaos after the Knicks secured their first NBA championship in 53 years. Thousands of fans flooded the streets around Madison Square Garden, leading to widespread disturbances.

Fans climbed lampposts, jumped on cars, and set off fireworks in crowded areas. The revelry quickly turned ugly, with reports of vandalism and violence. According to CNN, a 17-year-old was shot in the foot amid the chaos. On Times Square, a parked school bus was vandalized, with individuals tearing off parts of the hood and rocking the bus before setting it ablaze.

Police responded with riot control measures, including mounted units equipped with protective eyewear, to clear the streets. Several arrests were made, though the exact number and charges remain unclear. The disturbances followed a pattern from previous games, with 56 people arrested and ten officers injured after the prior match.

Knicks owner James Dolan urged fans to celebrate safely, stating, "We want everyone in New York tonight to be safe. Celebrate, but do it in a safe way." The city is scheduled to hold a victory parade on Thursday, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

“

We want everyone in New York tonight to be safe. Celebrate, but do it in a safe way.