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New York City’s celebration of the Knicks’ first NBA championship in more than 50 years was marred by gunfire in Times Square early Sunday morning that left a teenager hospitalized, according to the New York Police Department.
An NYPD spokesperson told Fox News Digital that officers responded to a shooting at approximately 2:01 a.m. near 42nd Street and Broadway. A 17-year-old male was shot once in the left foot and transported to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition. Police said three persons of interest were taken into custody and a firearm was recovered at the scene.
The shooting came hours after thousands of Knicks fans flooded streets across Manhattan to celebrate the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday in Texas, capturing the franchise’s first championship since 1973 and sparking jubilant scenes throughout the city.
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In the aftermath of the historic victory, some individuals were seen causing damage in videos circulating on social media.
One video appeared to show two people jumping onto the roof of an NYPD vehicle and smashing its windshield.
Another appeared to show individuals climbing on and entering school buses near Times Square.
A third video appeared to show NYPD officers tackling and arresting a Knicks fan as authorities attempted to disperse crowds.
Although the championship-clinching game was played thousands of miles away, police maintained a large presence around Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ home arena.
Ahead of the game, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged fans to celebrate responsibly if the Knicks secured the franchise’s first NBA title in more than five decades.
“As we celebrate, be responsible, look out for one another, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that reflects the very best of our city,” Mamdani wrote on social media. “Let’s go Knicks.”
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Despite those calls, some celebrations turned disorderly after the final buzzer.
Officers in riot gear and on horseback worked to manage large crowds that poured into the streets following the win.
Additional videos posted online appeared to show police making arrests amid the celebrations.
The NYPD told Fox News Digital it expects to provide an update on the number of arrests later Sunday.
“We will advise total numbers later on in the day,” an NYPD spokesperson said.
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Emergency officials warned residents and visitors to expect road closures and traffic delays in the area surrounding Madison Square Garden.
Authorities also urged anyone celebrating to follow NYPD instructions.
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Fox News Digital’s Dan Zaksheske, Chantz Martin, Bradford Betz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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