NYC Prepares For Historic Knicks Parade After Postgame Violence

NEW YORK, NY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended the New York Police Department's response to violence that followed championship celebrations and said city officials are preparing extensive security measures for what he expects could become the largest parade in New York City history.

Speaking at a Department of Transportation sign shop while helping prepare parade signage, Mamdani described Saturday's unrest as the actions of a small group amid broader citywide celebrations following the New York Knicks' first NBA championship in 53 years.

“I think what we saw on Saturday evening was the vast majority of New Yorkers celebrating responsibly, celebrating appropriately, given that as a city, we've been waiting for this for 53 years,” Mamdani said.

Authorities reported a 17-year-old was shot and several school buses were damaged and set on fire during postgame celebrations.

“There were a select number of New Yorkers who celebrated in a way that was, frankly, unacceptable,” Mamdani said. “It was not celebration, it was an excuse, whether it be to attack someone around them or to be violent even towards our police officers.”

Asked whether the NYPD's Strategic Response Group was appropriately deployed, Mamdani backed the department's actions.

The Mayor said additional details about security for Thursday's championship parade will be released in coming days.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. near Battery Park and travels north along Broadway through the Canyon of Heroes.

The procession will cover about one mile before ending at Broadway and Chambers Street beside City Hall.

Mamdani is expected to present the Knicks with keys to the city at City Hall.

Knicks players, including Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, are expected to participate. Team owner James Dolan and city officials are also expected to atten

The Mayor pointed to the timing of the event as one factor that could distinguish it from late-night celebrations that followed playoff games.

“There will be something distinct also about the time and the nature of the celebration being at 10 in the morning on a Thursday and not midnight on a Saturday,” he said.

The parade will feature ticker tape, marking the first ticker-tape parade in Knicks franchise history despite the team's 1973 championship.

Temporary “Champions Way” signs will be installed along the parade route before the event.

“It speaks to 53 years of waiting,” Mamdani said. “It speaks to 26 years since the last time we were in the Finals.”