NYC, NYPD tighten security for Trump’s attendance at Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals Game 3

NEW YORK, United States (AFP)—United States (US) President Donald Trump was booed ahead of the NBA Finals matchup at Madison Square Garden on Monday, as his attendance prompted ultra-tight security at the storied New York venue. Fans jeered the Republican president, who was watching the game from an executive suite, when he appeared onscreen inside the arena during the singing of the national anthem. Security measures have been hiked for the visit, with authorities barring fans without tickets from coming within several blocks of Madison Square Garden. They have also banned watch parties directly outside the Manhattan venue -- a break from the first two playoff games, which drew jubilant crowds. Officials urged ticket holders to arrive at least two hours before the 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Tuesday) tip-off to clear airport-style security screening. Bags were not permitted inside. "The message is simple: celebrate the Knicks, but avoid the MSG area tonight if you do not have tickets for the game," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told a news conference. AFP journalists on Monday saw a 10-foot (three-meter) fence around parts of Madison Square Garden and a large presence of Secret Service personnel charged with protecting the US president. The agents, some heavily armed, were accompanied by hundreds of NYPD officers as crowds gathered on streets near the venue and at public viewing areas elsewhere in the city. - 'Leave us alone' - Some New Yorkers and Democratic lawmakers criticized Trump for the inconvenience. "During one of the best moments NYC has enjoyed in decades, (Trump) makes it all about himself. Trump should LEAVE US ALONE! He's not wanted here," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X. As Trump's convoy traveled through New York to Madison Square Garden, some protesters on the streets held signs saying "Trump must go." At least two people raised their middle fingers towards the vehicles. Knicks fan Anthony Pulley, 43, told AFP he appreciated Trump coming to the game even if he found the disruption annoying. "I think it sucks. I think it really put a damper on all the watch parties. But it's pretty cool he wants to show up and be a part of it," he said. The Knicks have a commanding 2-0 lead in the best of seven series against the San Antonio Spurs. The team, chasing their first basketball championship since 1973, have whipped up a feverish following in the largest US city. - 'Protect the president' - Ticket prices for Monday's game were out of reach for most New Yorkers, but the self-proclaimed "World's Most Famous Arena" was still packed to the rafters, with celebrity fans courtside. Among those attending was New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who told reporters he paid nearly $1,000 for his tickets. The Secret Service planned to deploy counter-drone technology as part of its operation to protect the US leader, who has faced three alleged assassination attempts in less than two years. Trump, a long-time Knicks fan and native New Yorker, last visited Madison Square Garden in November 2024 to watch a UFC fight after his election victory. He earlier held a campaign rally at the venue. "The Secret Service's focus is straightforward: to ensure everyone attending the game can enjoy the game and have a safe experience, while we carry out our responsibility to protect the President of the United States," Special Agent Matt McCool told reporters. Meanwhile, police have downplayed broader security concerns after a stabbing late Sunday wounded six people at Penn Station, which sits beneath the venue. US media described the male suspect as emotionally disturbed with no terror links.

De'Aaron Fox says Trump's attendance at NBA Finals Game 3 makes security inconvenient for players, comparing screenings to TSA at Madison Square Garden.

New York City is tightening security ahead of President Trump’s attendance of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. “Tonight is Game 3 of the NBA finals – an exciting time for New York City – and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the game...

New York City is preparing for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where its home team is competing for the first time since 1999. But what should be a moment of pure celebration and anticipation—as the team is currently in the lead—has instead turned into a site for anxiety and discourse. President Trump announced on Friday he will be attending the June 8 match at Madison Square Garden (MSG), which will mean increased security and surveillance in the area—affecting Knicks fans. “Fans now will be inconvenienced because our lovely President always needs to make things about himself,” a user said on X in one post that seemed to sum up fan sentiment. In a coordinated decision between the NYPD and the Secret Service, a planned watch party that was set to be hosted outside MSG has been canceled ahead of the president’s visit due to the heightened security requirements. New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has offered an alternative watch party to be hosted at Manhattan’s Bryant Park with a capacity of 5,000 attendees. The watch party is an addition to a series of events hosted around the city, which are free to the public but require prior registration to attend. Additional parties in Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bowl have already reached capacity. Increased screening time But it’s not just the watch party affected. The New York Knicks announced that attendees should limit the amount of personal belongings brought into the game on Monday as a “strict no-bag policy” will be in effect, as well as TSA-style screening procedures. There will be no-storage area available for fans’ belongings during the game. “Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at least two hours before tip-off to allow additional time for screening and entry,” the Knicks announcement said. Fans did not have a welcoming reaction to the announcement, with one user saying, “I hope the sound of boos wake up the ancestors come Monday night.” Another added, “Don’t ruin it for the real fans so Trump can get his photo op and make the game about him.” Street closures and other disruptions Additional disruptions are expected in the area surrounding MSG due to street closures. Both pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be restricted between 6th and 8th avenues from West 30th Street to West 35th Street, as early as 4 p.m. “No one will be allowed inside the secure area unless you have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business inside the area, have credentials, or have some other authorized reason to be there,” the NYPD said. Those looking to enter the secure area will be screened at various checkpoints at 32nd Street and 33rd Street at 6th Avenue, 29th Street and 7th Avenue, and 30th and 34th Streets at 8th Avenue. Those looking to access public transit will need to access Penn Station through the Moynihan Train Hall entrance. The New York Knicks will face off against the San Antonio Spurs tonight (June 8, 2026) at 8:30 p.m. The Knicks are already ahead 2–0 in the best-of-seven series.

President Trump is planning to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The NYPD has ramped up security for the game. Charles Marino, a former Secret Service special agent and adviser for the Department of Homeland Security, joins with more.

President Trump is planning to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs, adding to a complicated security structure in New York City. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains.