Nearly two dozen rowdy fans were taken into custody Monday night after disorder broke out outside an NBA Finals watch party in Bryant Park, the NYPD said.
The city-hosted event was limited to 5,000 fans who registered in advance. However, many more people arrived hoping to watch Game 3 and were turned away after the event reached capacity.
As fans gathered around the park, a large crowd took over 42nd Street, blocking vehicles and refusing to leave, police said.
What You Need To Know
- Police said 21 people were taken into custody, eight of whom were arrested and charged, outside an NBA Finals watch party
- The city-hosted event was limited to 5,000 fans, but many more people arrived after the event reached capacity
- Several fights broke out that left people with injuries as fans climbed on top of scaffolding, light poles and NYPD vehicles, police said
- The NYPD said two people were charged with assault on a police office, while one was charged with attempted assault on an officer
Several fights broke out that left people with injuries as fans climbed on top of scaffolding, light poles and NYPD vehicles, according to police.
Fans in the crowd also started throwing glass objects at other fans and police officers, ripping bus signs and trees out of the ground to throw as well, the NYPD said.
Police said 21 people were taken into custody, eight of whom were arrested and charged and 13 of whom were released with criminal court summonses.
The NYPD said two people were charged with assault on a police office, while one was charged with attempted assault on an officer.
Five NYPD members were hurt amid the chaos, police said.
In a statement Tuesday, Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry condemned the behavior.
“Last night was another shameful display from individuals who are more interested in brawling with each other, ripping up street signs and hurling objects at cops than supporting their team,” Hendry said. “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.”
The watch party was organized after outdoor viewing events outside Madison Square Garden were canceled for Game 3 because of heightened security surrounding President Donald Trump’s attendance at the game.
The Knicks will host the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night. New York trails the series 2-1 after a 115-111 loss Monday.
