NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised officers for their response Saturday night as Knicks championship celebrations swept across New York City, even as pockets of violence disrupted the festivities.
According to city officials, the chaotic post-game scene led to 63 arrests, along with one shooting and four stabbings.
Tisch said officers endured a “long and grueling night” while responding to unruly crowds and dangerous incidents that broke out during the citywide celebrations. Among the most troubling episodes, a Spurs fan was reportedly attacked and a school bus was set on fire near Times Square.
In a letter to members of the NYPD, Tisch commended their efforts to manage the crowds and protect the public as the celebrations intensified.
“As celebrations unfolded across the city, you responded wherever you were needed, helping to maintain order, keep people safe, and, to the extent possible, ensure celebrations remained celebratory and not violent,” Tisch wrote. “You did that bravely.”
