Cheering, Celebrations Erupt In Streets Of New York After Joe Biden Projected To Win Presidency
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Cheers erupted across New York City moments after Joe Biden was projected to win the presidential election.
CBS News and other media outlets made the projection around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, saying he was projected to win Pennsylvania, giving him enough electoral college votes to win the presidency.
Moments later, cheers could be heard across various parts of New York City.
MORE: Joe Biden Projected To Win Election As 46th President After Tough Campaign In Deeply Divided Nation
One of the biggest celebrations took place in Times Square, where thousands of New Yorkers flocked to celebrate.
Around 2:45 p.m., the NYPD issued a travel advisory, urging people to avoid the area due to the large crowds.
From air horns to cars honking and people screaming, it was clear there was no shortage of celebration in Times Square throughout the day.
"Waiting for this decision has been stressful, but it's worth it in the end," said Cory Scott, of Williamsburg.
"Why was it important for you to be out here?" CBS2's Cory James asked one woman.
"Because we fought so long for it," she said.
"I'm so happy. God! Happy," another woman said.
Months of a heated, contentious presidential race and days of waiting to learn the winner brought out thousands of New Yorkers to the Crossroads of the World
Some even traveled far to be there, like Shanty Maldonado, from Miami. She was taking in a moment she say her family has never experienced in their politically red state.
"Coming from south Florida, this is completely not what we see back at home," Maldonado said. "I'm here and I'm emotional. This is unreal."
Yacira Jardiaa, of Manhattan, echoed that, adding the sight of unity touches her heart.
"To see it coming back and to see so many people here from all walks of life is exactly what America needs and inclusion that we had," she said.
But the excitement was not shared throughout the Tri-State Area.
In Bedminster, New Jersey, President Donald Trump's supporters lined the street near Route 206, showcasing their support for him.
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Ricky Richard is among those who believe the president was robbed of a second term.
"We feel cheated," he said. "I don't think sleepy Joe is qualified to be a president, in all honesty. I don't even think he should have been a candidate."
Meanwhile, Gavin Wax, president of the New York Young Republican Club, is holding on to hope.
"I don't think it's 100% over yet," he said. "While they are calling it now, I think there's going to be a lot of legal battles, there's going to be recounts."
PHOTO GALLERY: Celebrations Across New York City After Joe Biden Projected To Become 46th President Of United States
But for now, Biden fans are not worried about that and feel today is a victory for everyone in America.
"The nonsense is over. The nightmare has ended. Thank you, America, thank you. For all of our children, thank you," Aleta Lafargue, of Hell's Kitchen, said.
Hundreds of NYPD officers have been monitoring the crowds and traffic across the city. The NYPD says celebrations have been peaceful so far.
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