US President Donald Trump was booed at Madison Square Garden on Monday during the NBA Finals. His visit brought tighter security around the New York venue.
Fans jeered Trump from inside the arena when he appeared on screen during the national anthem. He watched from an executive suite during the Knicks-Spurs matchup.
Authorities barred fans without tickets from approaching Madison Square Garden within several blocks. Officials also banned watch parties directly outside the Manhattan arena.
Ticket holders were urged to arrive at least two hours before the 8:30 pm local tip-off, or 5:30 am PKT Tuesday, to clear airport-style security screening. Additionally, bags were not allowed inside.
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said fans should celebrate the Knicks. However, she said fans should avoid the Madison Square Garden area without tickets.
Basketball fans greeted Donald Trump with a chorus of loud boos, as the Republican became the first sitting US president to attend the NBA Finals at Game 3 of the championship series between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs pic.twitter.com/RgCYAShCai
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 9, 2026The San Antonio Spurs beat the New York Knicks 115-111. This cut New York’s lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals series.
AFP journalists saw a 10-foot fence around parts of the venue before the game. Secret Service personnel and hundreds of NYPD officers were also deployed near the arena.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticised Trump’s visit to X. He said the president had made the city’s playoff moment “all about himself.”
Read: Spurs Beat Knicks 115-111 As Wembanyama Scores 32
Some protesters held “Trump must go” signs as the president’s convoy moved through New York. Knicks fan Anthony Pulley told AFP the disruption was annoying but said Trump’s decision to attend was “pretty cool.”
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended the game and told reporters he paid nearly $1,000 for his ticket.
Secret Service Special Agent Matt McCool said the agency’s focus was to keep fans safe while protecting the president. The agency also deployed counter-drone technology.
Police separately downplayed wider security concerns after a stabbing at Penn Station late Sunday wounded six people. US media described the suspect as emotionally disturbed and said there were no terror links.
