Teen shot, multiple people stabbed and school buses set ablaze in NYC as Knicks NBA championship victory celebration turns violent

NYC Crime News: Gunshots were fired, people were stabbed, and vehicles were set ablaze as violent crowds unleashed chaos on the streets of New York City during post-victory celebrations following the New York Knicks' NBA championship win. The celebrations descended into disorder, leaving the city streets in turmoil.

The New York Knicks secured their first NBA title since 1973 with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5. Following the final buzzer at Texas' Frost Bank Center on Saturday, June 13, scores of people flocked to the streets of all five boroughs. Amid the celebrations, which eventually turned violent, a teenager was shot, four people were stabbed, and five buses were set on fire, among other incidents, a New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.

People arrested and charged

As many as 63 arrests were made on Saturday evening (June 13, 2026) and into the early hours of Sunday (June 14, 2026) “related to the Knicks game” as crowds refused to disperse, according to police. The charges included assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and other offenses.

During and after the NBA championship game, throngs of people numbering in the tens of thousands gathered around Madison Square Garden, the Knicks' home turf, and “became increasingly destructive, and there were many incidents of incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior,” the news outlet reported, citing the NYPD spokesperson.

Teenager shot, four stabbed amid violent clashes

Among the many incidents, a 17-year-old was shot at Broadway and 43rd Street. According to the police, the area was so crowded that an ambulance could not transport the victim.

The teenager was transported to a hospital, while three persons of interest were taken into custody in connection with the shooting, according to a New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson. A firearm was also recovered from the scene.

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The police also said that among all the violent clashes, there were also four stabbings and "slashings" and multiple “large physical fights” that unfolded. According to officers, ten members of the NYPD also sustained wounds during the celebrations. One person was struck with a glass bottle, while another was punched in the face.

Vehicles damaged amid chaos

Several vehicles, including school buses used to transport people from N.Y.C. to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the World Cup games, were also destroyed. The NYPD spokesperson stated that five of the buses were “lit on fire/destroyed with bats and people jumping on them,” PEOPLE reported.

Other vehicles not affiliated with the NYPD or the World Cup were also damaged, with some sustaining shattered windows. The post-championship unrest further saw individuals climbing traffic signals and other structures, while fireworks were ignited amid crowds, according to the NYPD spokesperson.