Violence erupts near Knicks watch party with fans fighting, climbing police cars, assaulting officers, NYPD says
The NYPD took more than 20 people into custody near a Knicks watch party in Bryant Park Monday night, and several officers were injured.
Police officials said about 7,000 people came to the Game 3 of the NBA Finals watch party, but it was the crowd outside of it that got violent.
Crowd next to Bryant Park turns rowdy
A large group of people took over 42nd Street, adjacent to the watch party. They became increasingly rowdy, violent and destructive, according to police.
Video shows a total melee, with fans fighting, ripping out street signs and banging on cars. Fans also blocked traffic and climbed on top of light poles and police vehicles, police said. Some were also throwing glass objects at each other and officers and ripping trees out of the ground.
Out of the 21 people taken into custody, eight were arrested and charged, while the others were released with criminal court summonses. Two people were charged with assaulting an officer, the NYPD said.
Five members of the department were injured, according to police.
"Last night was another shameful display from individuals who are more interested in brawling with each other, ripping up streets signs and hurling objects at cops than supporting their team. We know New Yorkers are passionate about these NBA Finals, but police officers shouldn't have to endure a barrage of mayhem after every single game. Our elected leaders need to send a stronger message and make it crystal clear that this behavior won't be tolerated," PBA President Patrick Hendry said.
A spokesperson for City Hall said the fighters and other incidents are unacceptable.
"As the NBA finals continue, Mayor Mamdani wants all New Yorkers to celebrate and enjoy this run across the city while respecting one another," part of the statement read.
Clashes with police, pepper spray used
Video also shows fights breaking out on 42nd Street and clashes with police. Officers tried to push back the crowd, and at least one could be seen using pepper spray.
Another video showed someone grabbing a bus stop sign and swinging it at people. Rowdy fans were seen trying to climb an NYPD truck carrying barricades.
The watch party was held at Bryant Park after the city, the NYPD and the Secret Service made the decision not to permit one outside Madison Square Garden.
There was high security outside the Garden and in Midtown Manhattan as President Trump attended the game.
The future of watch parties in NYC
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said fans can expect a watch party outside the Garden for Game 4 on Wednesday, and that future watch parties would be modeled after Times Square on New Year's Eve.
"Those watch parties will be managed with pens and screening," Tisch said.
Former NYPD Lt. Darrin Porcher said more security for watch parties going forward is the way to go.
"I think one of the main teachable moments would be to set up a perimeter and possibly use magnetometers or some type of search for individuals that are entering the venue," he said.
Porcher said he thinks searching fans would act as a deterrent.
