See It: Cheers Spread Across NYC Over Projected Biden Win

NEW YORK CITY — Choruses of cheers. Champagne corks popping and drinks shared with neighbors. Horns honking. The clattering of pots and pans. Flags waving.

Those were the sights and sounds of New York City celebrating former Vice President Joe Biden's projected win Saturday over Donald Trump for the presidency.

When Jonah Camiel first heard cheers outside his Crown Heights apartment, he thought his neighbors were having a party. But as they grew he checked the news and confirmed what he already knew — Biden was declared the projected winner by the AP and other outlets.

Camiel got on his motorized skateboard and followed the crowds already flocking outside. His journey led him to the Barclays Center, where a large impromptu crowd drew celebratory honks from passing cars.

"It's a good day," he said, his smile evident through his face mask.

Videos from across New York City showed similar celebrations, which appeared to be as much a celebration of Trump not winning a second term as joy over a President-Elect Biden.

Whistles and cheers echoed through the canyons of 23rd Street and Ninth Avenue all the way up to 72nd Street and Columbus.

The cheers could be heard from the top floors of high-rise Manhattan apartments or up close and personal along brownstone-studded Brooklyn streets.

Among a large crowd gathered in Grand Army Plaza was Sen. Chuck Schumer, who held up a Biden/Harris sign as people chanted.

Other New York political leaders went online to post congratulations to Biden.

"THIS is what democracy looks like," Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted. "The people have spoken and it was worth the wait."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in a statement, called it "a historic day.

"After the darkness, division and hate of the past four years, America has spoken and rejected more of the same," Cuomo said. "Congratulations to my good friend President-Elect Joe Biden and to Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. Today we go forward in hope and progress."

At the Barclays Center, Camiel looked at the crowd and forward to the future. He said Biden has a lot to do after four years of Trump.

"This is the first step in the right direction toward fixing all of the project, but it's still an uphill battle," he said.