Ocasio-Cortez Slams Trump’s NBA Finals Appearance Over Fan Fun Restrictions
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has voiced strong disapproval of Donald Trump’s planned attendance at the NBA Finals, asserting that his visit will curtail enjoyment for thousands of fans. Trump is slated to become the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game when he arrives in Manhattan for Game 3 on Monday. The New York Knicks, currently leading the series 2-0, are set to face the visiting San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden.
Although Trump, who received an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan, has publicly declared himself a “big fan” of the team, his presence has ignited controversy. Initially, many Knicks fans expressed anger and urged the President to reconsider his plans. This sentiment arose after it was announced that outdoor watch parties outside Madison Square Garden would be prohibited on the day of the game due to enhanced security measures necessitated by his visit.
Congresswoman Joins Outrage, Cites Precedent
Ocasio-Cortez has now joined the chorus of criticism, suggesting that Trump’s attendance should be foregone to allow the watch parties to proceed. Responding to a question on her Instagram story about whether Trump’s presence would be a “vibe killer,” the Congresswoman stated, “It already has been! Now the city has to shut down all the watch parties outside of the arena, that have been the source of so much fun.”
She elaborated, explaining her own past decisions regarding event attendance. “As a politician, I have gone to my fair amount of sports games – but there are just some things that you don’t want to go [to], either to jinx it or just in general,” Ocasio-Cortez explained. “Sometimes the accommodations that are required – [such as] the security for you to show up – are just not worth shutting down the fun for other people. Sometimes you decide not to go to things so that other people can enjoy it.”
Conflicting Statements Emerge on Watch Party Decision
Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks surfaced shortly after apparent disagreements between the NYPD and Madison Square Garden regarding the cancellation of the watch parties. Initial reports indicated a ban, but an NYPD spokesperson later informed a sports news outlet that outdoor watch parties could proceed. However, this update was quickly retracted by a subsequent NYPD statement, which confirmed, “There will be no watch party outside MSG. This decision was made in coordination with the Secret Service.” The department added that watch parties would be held at other, as-yet-undetermined locations.
In a contrasting statement, Madison Square Garden asserted that Trump’s attendance was not the reason for the watch party cancellations. According to a reports Front Office Sports, a statement from MSG indicated, “The permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied by the City’s permitting office in consultation with the NYPD. However, the White House will confirm that this is not about the President. We understand NYPD Commissioner Tisch is planning additional street closures around Madison Square Garden.”
Following MSG’s claim, the NYPD reiterated its position, stating, “There will be no watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only. This was done fully in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit. We expect watch parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4.”
Extensive Security Measures Expected for Game 3
The Knicks are aiming to secure their first NBA championship since 1973. Hundreds of US Secret Service officers and agents are expected to be deployed at the Garden, alongside thousands of NYPD personnel. Significant street closures are anticipated around Madison Square Garden, affecting major Midtown Manhattan thoroughfares. Seventh and Eighth Avenue corridors are likely to be impacted, potentially causing substantial disruptions.
Access to the area will be severely restricted, with no vehicle or pedestrian traffic permitted within the secured perimeter. Only ticketed attendees will be allowed in proximity to the venue, and they will undergo enhanced security screening. A strict policy will be enforced regarding prohibited items, with no bags of any size, including purses and backpacks, permitted inside. Fans are strongly advised to leave all personal belongings at home to avoid being denied entry.
Security checkpoints are scheduled to open at 6:30 PM, two hours before the scheduled 8:30 PM tipoff. Officials are encouraging attendees to arrive early to manage potential queues, which are expected to be extensive.
