Mayhem Erupts: Knicks Fans' Wild Celebration Turns Violent
Hysterical Knicks fans smashed a yellow cab, waved a Palestinian flag and stood on top of the destroyed car like a hunting trophy in a disgraceful scene as the streets outside Madison Square Garden descended into chaos after Game 4 of the NBA Finals Wednesday night.
The men cheered and continued stomping on the badly dented hood of the taxi, as one man repeatedly smashed an object into the crumpled windshield.
Two fans proudly brandished a Palestinian flag as they sat upon the wrecked vehicle.
Chaotic video shot by FreedomNewsTV shows thousands of cheering revelers crowding the streets, many wearing Knicks gear, as the scene grew progressively more violent.
Dozens of people were arrested in the mayhem that erupted across Gotham, in which ten members of the NYPD were injured, including one officer who was struck in the head with a glass bottle.
At least 12 people were arrested in the mayhem that erupted across Gotham, according to law enforcement.
Rowdy fans were also seen battling legions of NYPD officers after the Knicks’ historic come-from-behind victory, as several loud booms sent the charged-up masses fleeing.
Police in riot gear lined up in formation across several roadways, attempting to control the throngs of adrenaline-fueled fans, with the lights of the World’s Most Famous Arena looming in the background.
One segment of the video shows a small group of shirtless young men saying directly into the camera, “we’re gonna burn this city down.”
Several explosions could be heard throughout the footage, each followed by a large plume of white smoke that sent the crowd fleeing, presumably tear gas.
Several men can be seen being led away in handcuffs by officers.
In all, the NYPD estimated the crowd grew to more than 10,000 — becoming more destructive as the game progressed.
Fans took over city streets, creating a traffic nightmare as some jumped on top of moving trucks, taxis and other vehicles with people inside, cops said.
A group was seen trying to flip over a taxi, and numerous people climbed scaffolding, light poles and even buildings.
Even NYPD vehicles weren’t safe from the mayhem, as revelers climbed up and smashed the front and rear windshields of four department cars, causing “significant damage.”
Out-of-control fans pelted police officers with glass bottles and other objects, and even broke into a tractor-trailer to steal the items inside and toss them at the crowd.
In all, 56 people were taken into custody, 15 of whom were arrested for charges including assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration and trademark counterfeiting.
The NYPD said the havoc demonstrated the need for the stepped-up police presence ahead of the games.
“This is an exciting time for the Knicks and for fans across New York City. The NYPD wants New Yorkers to be able to enjoy these celebrations, but our primary responsibility is to ensure that everyone can do so safely,” the department said in a statement.
“Once again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game. This demonstrates exactly why the NYPD has increased our presence in and around Madison Square Garden.”
