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Teen Shot, Buses Torched in Manhattan Amid Knicks Championship Celebrations
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom /Sports

Teen Shot, Buses Torched in Manhattan Amid Knicks Championship Celebrations

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Chaos erupted in New York City following the Knicks' NBA championship win, with a teenager shot and buses set ablaze.
  • Celebrations turned violent as crowds clashed with police, leading to 63 arrests for offenses including assault and criminal mischief.
  • Ten police officers were injured during the unrest, which saw widespread property damage and public disorder.

Jubilant celebrations for the New York Knicks' first NBA championship in over 50 years were marred by widespread chaos, including a shooting and multiple bus fires, in Manhattan. The Knicks secured the title by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in game five on Saturday.

As throngs of fans poured into the streets to celebrate the historic win, the atmosphere turned volatile. Gunfire erupted near Times Square around 2 a.m. Sunday, resulting in a 17-year-old boy being shot in the foot. While preliminary reports indicated no fatalities, the violence cast a dark shadow over the city's revelry.

Scenes of destruction unfolded as crowds, described by the NYPD as "increasingly destructive" and exhibiting "incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior," clashed with law enforcement. Five yellow school buses, previously used to transport World Cup football fans, were set alight or destroyed. Police vehicles also sustained damage, with some individuals using bats to smash windshields and jump on the cars.

In total, 63 people were arrested on charges ranging from assault on a police officer and weapon possession to criminal mischief and resisting arrest. Ten police officers were injured during the night's unrest, with one officer reportedly punched in the face. The NYPD deployed a significant police presence, including officers on horseback, to disperse the crowds and manage the escalating disorder.

We need to tell everybody in New York that we know that they're celebrating, we want them to have a great time. Please be safe. Don't get hurt, don't hurt anybody.

โ€” James DolanKnicks owner James Dolan urged restraint and safety amidst the championship celebrations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.