NYPD deploys 10,000 officers for Knicks parade
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and DEA Union President Scott Munro discuss the unprecedented security at the New York City Knicks championship parade. More than 10,000 officers will be deployed, marking the largest planned security event in NYPD history. Anti-terrorist units, particularly those detecting drones, are on high alert.
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The New York Police Department plans to deploy 10,000 officers to secure the New York Knicks parade on Thursday, as the city celebrates the team’s first title in 53 years.
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win the NBA championship. This will be the franchise’s first parade since the city did not hold a parade when the team won twice in the 1970s.
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New York Knicks fans react during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas on June 3, 2026. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE)
“There will be performances, there will be New Yorkers, there will be the team and there will be history,” New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. ET near Battery Park, proceed up Broadway through the Canyon of Heroes and end at City Hall. Alicia Keys is expected to perform at the event.
“We want people to enjoy this moment,” said New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “But public safety comes first.”
Banners hang above New York City Hall as preparations take place ahead of the New York Knicks’ NBA championship parade on June 17, 2026. (Alyssa Goodman/AP Photo)
A street sign reading “Champions Way” is displayed along Broadway, known as the “Canyon of Heroes,” ahead of the New York Knicks parade in New York on June 17, 2026. (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
Knicks fans were already boarding NJ Transit and PATH trains Thursday morning heading into the city as officials told celebrating fans to come early and prepare.
Officials said all participants would be screened and enclosures were expected to open at 6 a.m. ET.
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No bags, glass or metal water bottles, bats/batons, bicycles or scooters, chairs or coolers will be permitted at the event. Those who work in office buildings along the parade route will be able to enter with proper identification, as well as those who live in the area.
The New York Knicks celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio on June 13, 2026. (Darren Abate/AP)
The ceremony at City Hall will be reserved for ticketed fans. In addition to the above restrictions, no animals, backpacks, strollers, umbrellas or weapons will be permitted.
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Fans and residents were informed that the Bowling Green, Fulton, Brooklyn Bridge, Chambers and Park Place subway stations would be open while the Wall Street and City Hall stops would be closed.
