James Dolan Attributes NBA Finals Security to NYC Officials, Not Trump

James Dolan, owner of the New York Knicks, stated that the heightened security measures around Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals were implemented by New York City officials, not President Donald Trump or the Secret Service. During the game, local authorities enforced strict access controls, allowing only ticketed fans within the secured area, which included expanded checkpoints and street closures. Dolan clarified on The Carton Show that the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the commissioner's office were responsible for the security arrangements, not federal officials. He suggested that the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's office had used Trump's attendance as a justification for the security measures. Dolan's remarks contradict claims that the Secret Service was behind the restrictions. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the situation, implying that Trump was seeking attention. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith also expressed concern over politicians interfering with fans' enjoyment of the Finals. Following the security measures, planned watch parties were canceled, leading to gatherings in Bryant Park that turned chaotic. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the security decisions, stating that they were made jointly with the Secret Service. Madison Square Garden subsequently canceled a planned watch party for Game 4 due to ongoing security restrictions, prompting Dolan to criticize city leadership. Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded, asserting that the city had approved a permit for a watch party with up to 999 attendees, and noted that Dolan had chosen to cancel it.