Times Square Violence: Buses Torched, Teen Shot, Dozens Arrested After Knicks' Historic NBA Triumph

The celebration later turned chaotic for New York basketball fans quickly turned into scenes of chaos after the New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in more than 50 years.

Large crowds gathered across New York City to celebrate the team's historic victory, but the festivities took a violent turn overnight, leading to arrests, injuries, and property damage.

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), several incidents of violence and vandalism were reported in and around Times Square as thousands of fans poured onto the streets.

Shooting Reported Near Times Square

Police said a shooting occurred shortly after 2:00 am local time near the intersection of 43rd Street and Broadway. A 17-year-old boy was shot in the left foot during the incident and was rushed to Bellevue Hospital for treatment. Authorities later confirmed that he was in stable condition.

🚨 BREAKING: Rioters have begun setting the school buses ON FIRE in Times Square during the Knicks riots

Police do not have NEARLY ENOUGH SUPPORT

Mamdani and Hochul have ABSOLUTELY FAILED NYPD and law abiding New Yorkers pic.twitter.com/yMtwfvhvFa

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 14, 2026

The NYPD said three people were taken into custody in connection with the shooting, and a firearm was recovered from the scene. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Dozens Arrested as Celebrations Escalate

As the celebrations continued into the early hours of the morning, several parts of Manhattan witnessed disorder and clashes with police. The NYPD confirmed that at least 63 people were arrested overnight.

🚨 BREAKING: Rioters are now COMPLETELY DESTROYING SCHOOL BUSES in Times Square

One of the drivers had a panic attack

Police are TOTALLY overwhelmed

These people are NOT intimidated, as they know they VASTLY outnumber cops pic.twitter.com/DnVZjgHToN

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 14, 2026

The charges against those arrested include assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of governmental administration.

Police also reported that 10 officers were injured while responding to the disturbances. One officer was reportedly struck by a glass bottle during the unrest.

Buses and Vehicles Damaged During Unrest

Videos shared on social media and reports from local media outlets showed widespread damage to public property. Several vehicles, including school buses parked near Times Square, were vandalised during the celebrations.

🚨 UPDATE: There was a SHOOTING and 5 police cars were SMASHED in NYC after the Knicks won the Finals

People even attacked POLICE HORSES in the streets

"At least 63 ARRESTS were made."

Multiple fires broke out, 5 buses DESTROYED

Mamdanis NYC is a 3rd world nation, with no… pic.twitter.com/CKXv0Rel6c

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 14, 2026

According to police, five school buses that had been used to transport World Cup soccer fans to MetLife Stadium were damaged, with some reportedly set on fire or badly vandalised. In one widely circulated video, a bus could be seen engulfed in flames after burning clothing was allegedly thrown inside.

Other footage showed people climbing on top of buses, smashing windows, and damaging vehicles parked in the area near the 42nd Street subway station. Broken glass and debris were also seen scattered across nearby streets.

Police Response to the Disturbances

The NYPD said officers intervened around 2:30 am, more than an hour after the first reports of vandalism emerged. Emergency teams worked to disperse crowds and restore order as the situation escalated.

Authorities have not released details about whether additional arrests are expected, but investigations into the violence and property damage remain ongoing.
Officials also appealed to the public to share any information or videos that could help identify those involved in the incidents.

A Historic Victory for the New York Knicks

The celebrations followed the New York Knicks' dramatic 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The win gave the Knicks a 4-1 series triumph and secured the franchise's first NBA championship since 1973.

The title-clinching game was played at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, ending a championship drought that had lasted more than five decades and sparking celebrations among fans across New York City.

Leaders Celebrate Team's Achievement

Soon after the final whistle, political leaders joined fans in congratulating the team. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared a brief message on social media, posting simply, "HISTORY."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also praised the team, saying the Knicks had "made all New Yorkers so proud" with their remarkable achievement.

While the championship victory marked a historic moment for the franchise and its supporters, the violence and vandalism that followed have also raised concerns about crowd management and public safety during major sporting celebrations.