Fans have been left trapped inside a metro station in New York as the city descends into gridlock during celebrations for the New York Knicks' historic NBA championship victory. Witnesses described scenes of 'absolute chaos' as thousands of supporters struggled to move through Fulton Street station, near the World Trade Center and Wall Street.
Chaos at Fulton Street Station
More than 1,000 people were stranded inside the station, with some heard screaming 'we can't get out' as panic set in. The situation was exacerbated by massive crowds lining the parade route, with projections suggesting attendance could reach millions along the roughly one-mile stretch from Battery Park.
Those who managed to exit the station were greeted by further crowds, causing gridlock throughout the surrounding streets. The New York Police Department deployed over 10,000 officers in what it described as the largest planned deployment in its history.
Security Measures and Preparations
Security measures included barriers, checkpoints, helicopters, explosive-detection dogs, and anti-drone technology. The NYPD announced that all designated viewing pens along the parade route had reached capacity, warning fans that anyone leaving their allocated area would not be permitted to re-enter. No trains were stopping south of Canal Street in Manhattan.
Some supporters camped out overnight to secure prime viewing spots, determined to see their basketball heroes as team buses made their way through the city.
Previous Violence and Parade Details
The celebrations followed the Knicks' 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, winning the series 4-1. On Saturday night, violence erupted in Times Square, with gunshots heard and fans setting fire to a school bus and wrecking vehicles.
The parade traveled through Broadway's Canyon of Heroes, a historic route used for ticker-tape celebrations. This was the first Canyon of Heroes parade for the Knicks, who previously won NBA championships in 1970 and 1973 but did not hold such a parade.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, 'From a playoff run that left New Yorkers breathless to a tip-in that will be talked about for decades, the Knicks have earned a hero's welcome. We have dreamed of this moment for generations. This Thursday, our city will rise to the occasion.'
Notable Participants
Knicks legends Walt 'Clyde' Frazier and Patrick Ewing were expected to take part in the parade. Singer Alicia Keys, who collaborated with Jay-Z on 'Empire State of Mind,' was confirmed to perform during the event. 'How could I not?' Keys said in a social media post.
