Knicks' Championship Sparks Chaos in New York: Bus Arson, Teen Shot

(CNA, New York, June 14 - International News) Thousands of fans flooded the streets of New York late last night following the New York Knicks' historic victory in the NBA Finals. However, celebrations in midtown Manhattan quickly descended into chaos, with one World Cup shuttle bus set on fire and a teenager shot.

The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals last night, clinching the championship in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series—their first title since 1973. This marks the Knicks' third Finals appearance since then, having previously reached the championship in 1994 and 1999, only to lose to the Houston Rockets and the Spurs, respectively.

After the victory, fans poured out of packed bars and outdoor venues, setting off fireworks, throwing smoke bombs, and shouting 'Knicks in five!' to celebrate their team's triumph.

A New York police officer told Reuters that around 2 a.m., a 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot during celebrations at Times Square. Three suspects involved in the incident have been detained.

As celebrations continued late into the night, hundreds of people rushed a fleet of about 15 shuttle buses at Times Square, mostly young people. These buses had just transported fans from the first World Cup match held in the New York area—Brazil vs. Morocco—which ended in a draw.

Some fans climbed onto the roofs of the buses, while others broke into the vehicles and sat in the driver's seats. A Reuters video journalist witnessed flames engulfing a yellow school bus, rented by the city to transport fans, which had been set on fire. It is unclear if anyone was injured in this incident. At least three other shuttle buses were severely damaged by the crowd.

One bicycle was placed on top of another bus, and fans of both the Brazilian team and the Knicks climbed onto the roof, waving their national flags. A man with blood streaming down his face walked through the crowd, though Reuters could not confirm the cause of his injury.

Youssef Sabbr, a 49-year-old Moroccan-Canadian, had already disembarked before the World Cup shuttle buses were surrounded by the crowd. Sabbr said, 'They're expressing their joy—just a bit violent, but that's how it is.'

Carol Marino, a 50-something real estate broker in New York, took a moment to rest on the sidewalk after watching the game at a bar. Reflecting on the celebration, she said, 'My goodness! This is like New Year's Eve on steroids—20 times bigger.' (Translation: Chen Cheng-chien) 1150614