NYPD Detains 56 as Stun Grenades Disperse NBA Finals Crowd in Manhattan
New York authorities have detained 56 individuals and injured ten officers during unrest surrounding Game Four of the NBA Finals, marking the latest escalation in public order issues at the championship series.
The New York Police Department confirmed on Thursday that 56 people were taken into custody following significant disorder outside Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. The unrest occurred as the New York Knicks secured a comeback victory against the San Antonio Spurs, drawing a sellout crowd that included US megastar Taylor Swift. Authorities estimated that approximately 10,000 fans had gathered around the venue, prompting the deployment of stun grenades to disperse the assembly.
Ten NYPD officers were injured during the incident, including one who was struck in the head by a glass bottle, a force spokesperson told AFP. The disorder involved fans climbing onto moving vehicles, attempting to overturn a taxi, and setting off fireworks. Police have laid charges including assaulting a police officer, disorderly conduct, and possession of a knife. An AFP photographer observed law enforcement using stun grenades near the arena in an effort to control the situation.
"This again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game," the NYPD stated in its assessment of the events. The department noted that the unrest followed a ban on planned public screenings near the venue, a precautionary measure implemented due to fears of further disorder. This restriction marked a departure from the approach taken during the first two playoff rounds.
The incident represents a significant escalation in public order challenges during the Finals. During Game Three on Monday, which was attended by US President Donald Trump, police detained 21 people and four officers were injured. During that match, Spurs fans were targeted by crowds, a behaviour condemned by the team’s top player, Victor Wembanyama, as "unacceptable." The series has seen previous disruptions, including a court-storming incident during Game One in San Antonio that resulted in lifetime bans for two individuals.
The New York Knicks now hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series. Game Five is scheduled to take place in San Antonio on Saturday, shifting the focus of the series back to Texas.
