NYPD Officer Assaulted During Knicks Fans' Game 2 Celebration
New York City is rapidly becoming one of the most wild places in the country as the Knicks inch ever closer to their first NBA title in five decades. But some celebrating fans are taking things way too far and a New York Police Department officer recently paid the price.
On Friday, following the Knicks' Game 2 win over the Spurs in San Antonio, Texas, an NYPD officer was reportedly assaulted outside of Madison Square Garden at one of the many viewing parties around the city.
ABC 7 in New York reported that an officer was punched in the face during a "chaotic Knicks watch party" which was attended by over 6,500 fans.
"According to police, one person jumped over a barrier into a restricted area. When an officer attempted to remove the individual, the person allegedly punched the officer in the face multiple times, causing lacerations that required medical treatment. The officer was later treated and released," ABC 7 NY reported.
Keep the Peace
The assault on the officer has been condemned by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who called on fans to celebrate responsibly and said that there's "no tolerance" for attacks on police officers.
"The assault on an NYPD officer outside Madison Square Garden last night was unacceptable. New Yorkers are rightfully excited about the Knicks' historic Finals run, and we want fans to celebrate this moment together. There is, however, no place for violence, and no tolerance for attacks on police officers. Thank you to the officers who worked to keep fans safe throughout the night, and we wish the injured officer a speedy recovery. The overwhelming majority of New Yorkers celebrated responsibly, and I urge everyone to continue doing so as the Finals return to New York," Mayor Mamdani wrote on X this afternoon.
NBA fans also condemned the attack:
"Cmon guys. Don't (expletive) with our NYPD. Last thing we need is for them to go Tony Brothers on us," one user wrote.
"First finals run since 99 and ppl celebrate by jumping a cop outside the garden. team wins 13 straight and the only assault is on an officer. how does that even happen?" wrote another.
"If you want to be remembered from the Finals, be the one who brought the energy, not the one who brought an arrest. Hope the officer is okay," a third rremarked.
"These hooligans are trying to ruin it for the rest of us!"
Madison Square Garden will be hosting Games 3 and 4 next week, and the President of the United States will be in attendance. It would certainly behoove the city of New York to be on their best behavior next week.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 1:46 PM.