New York City experienced widespread disorder early Sunday following the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory Saturday night, as large crowds of fans engaged in destructive and violent behavior across Midtown Manhattan. Times Square and the surrounding areas became the epicenter of chaotic scenes involving vandalism, assaults, and several injuries.

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), 63 people were arrested in connection with the incidents, which included assaults on police officers, the stabbing of four individuals, and a shooting of a 17-year-old boy who was struck in the foot while riding a CitiBike near West 42nd Street and Broadway. The teen was transported to Bellevue Hospital and listed in stable condition. Three people were taken into custody for questioning related to the shooting, and a firearm was recovered.

The disorder unfolded along 42nd Street and intersecting avenues, where hundreds of fans clashed with law enforcement officers in confrontations that saw bottles and other projectiles hurled at police. Groups of fans commandeered and vandalized a fleet of yellow school buses reserved as shuttles for FIFA World Cup games destined for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Several of these buses were damaged with bats, had parts torn off, and at least one was set on fire. The attacks forced bus drivers to abandon their vehicles for safety, according to a representative for the bus company.

Beyond the buses, revelers caused extensive property damage, including smashing windows of NYPD vehicles and fire trucks, climbing traffic lights and scaffolding, blocking traffic, and climbing atop various city vehicles. Police reported that 10 officers were injured during the crowd control efforts, with some struck by bottles and fists.

Authorities said the charges filed against arrested individuals range from assaulting police officers, criminal possession of weapons, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, to obstruction of governmental administration. One of the individuals charged for assaulting an officer was identified as a 28-year-old man from Arlington, Texas.

City officials condemned the violence while acknowledging that most fans celebrated peacefully. Mayor Mamdani emphasized the call for responsible celebration and underscored a zero-tolerance stance toward violence against law enforcement or others. “The vast majority of New Yorkers celebrated appropriately. There were some who did not,” he stated. Governor Hochul echoed these sentiments, noting that while the celebration was largely peaceful, a minority marred the festivities. She expressed gratitude toward the NYPD for their swift response.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised her officers’ bravery and dedication during a difficult night marked by widespread disorder and violence. She highlighted the complex challenges faced by law enforcement as they worked to contain destructive acts and maintain public safety amid thousands of revelers.

The incidents followed a series of escalating disturbances across the Knicks’ playoff run, including a prior attack on a Spurs fan that left the victim in critical condition. With the Knicks securing their first NBA title in more than five decades, city authorities remain focused on balancing the right to celebrate with the need to uphold order and safety on city streets.