Many of the millions of fans expected to flood Lower Manhattan on Thursday for the Knicks' ticker-tape parade won't make it in, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch warned Wednesday.
During an interagency briefing with local, state and federal officials, Tisch said the expected attendance will be “in the millions” and will exceed Lower Manhattan's capacity. She warned that people will be redirected or turned away once the viewing pens are full.
The parade “presents an operational challenge on a scale that this city rarely faces,” she said. “We are preparing for enormous crowds in Lower Manhattan, with attendance expected to be in the millions.”
A City Hall spokesperson wasn’t able to provide the estimated capacity of the viewing area. Lower Manhattan is the oldest, narrowest and most densely packed part of the island during the day.
The parade marks the Knicks' first NBA championship win since 1973, sealed Saturday with a comeback victory over the San Antonio Spurs. But jubilation over the team's win turned violent as thousands of fans gathered outside Madison Square Garden.
Some 200 people were arrested over NBA Finals week for brawling, chasing down Spurs fans, shooting people and damaging taxis, police cars and school buses.
"There will be no tolerance for violence and disorder," Tisch said Wednesday, adding the NYPD will mount the largest deployment for a planned event in its history, with more than 10,000 officers assigned to Lower Manhattan.
"Anyone who breaks the law should expect swift enforcement action and immediate consequences,” Tisch added.
She urged fans to arrive early, saying viewing areas will fill quickly. Screening begins at 6 a.m. at 23 locations along the parade route, which runs along the Canyon of Heroes — Broadway from Bowling Green to City Hall. Bags, backpacks, umbrellas and glass or metal bottles will not be allowed inside the event area.
Vehicles will be banned from parking south of Canal Street starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday from the East River to the Hudson River, Tisch said. Cars left there will be towed. All vehicle traffic south of Canal Street will likewise be prohibited, starting at 7 a.m. Thursday.
Access to the 4 and 5 trains at the Wall Street station and the N and R trains at City Hall will be closed starting at 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
The NYPD will deploy heavily armed officers, bomb-sniffing dogs, helicopters, drones, emergency service teams, officers on horseback and hostile surveillance teams along the route, Tisch said. The department will also bring counterterrorism capabilities, including equipment to disable drones.
“We want this to be a safe and memorable celebration for Knicks fans and for New York City," Tisch said. "But public safety comes first, and we are planning accordingly."
