NEW YORK CITY June 13, 2026 — Joyful celebrations following the New York Knicks’ first NBA Finals victory in decades turned chaotic in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday night, June 13, 2026, as rowdy fans swarmed and damaged multiple yellow school buses near Times Square and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Video footage circulating on social media, including a widely shared clip from X, shows a large crowd climbing onto a school bus, jumping on its roof, ripping off parts including the front bumper and hood, and smashing components while cheering. In one distressing moment, the bus driver confronts the mob, visibly upset and shouting that any damage “is coming out of my paycheck.”
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs to claim their first title since the 1990s, sparking massive street parties across the city. While many fans celebrated peacefully in areas like Central Park and near Madison Square Garden, others in Midtown turned destructive. Reports and videos document fans rocking buses in attempts to tip them over, graffitiing vehicles with messages like “Let’s Go Knicks,” and even setting at least one bus ablaze. Additional incidents included damage to NYPD and FDNY vehicles, with bottles thrown at officers.
Authorities deployed a heavy NYPD presence, making several arrests amid skirmishes along 42nd Street. Police blocked entrances to the Port Authority to contain the crowds, but the disorder continued into the early morning hours.
Public reaction has been swift and largely condemnatory. Many social media users expressed sympathy for the affected bus drivers and questioned why school buses were on the streets late at night during summer break. Others called the behavior inexcusable, arguing it discredits genuine fans and highlights deeper issues with crowd control in the city.
City officials have not yet released a full statement on damages or arrests related to the bus incidents, but NYPD urged revelers to celebrate responsibly.
The Knicks’ long-awaited championship win marks a historic moment for the franchise and its loyal supporters. However, the night’s events serve as a reminder of how quickly large gatherings can spiral out of control.
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