Donald Trump faced an embarrassing reception as crowds ruthlessly booed him on his arrival at Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night at New York City's legendary Madison Square Garden.
Hostile Welcome at the Arena
The president was met with a wave of hostility as spectators heckled his motorcade. Several onlookers held up signs showing their contempt for the president, with at least two people making offensive hand gestures in his direction, while another gave him a thumbs down.
"Put them gas prices down!" one person can be heard shouting before directing an expletive at Trump. "F--- Trump, but we came here for the Knicks!" another can be heard calling out. Those gathered around them can be heard chanting, "F--- Trump, go Knicks!"
According to Jeff Mordock, a Washington Times correspondent in Trump's press pool, one placard read, "Nobody wants you here." Another stated, "Trump must go." Yet another declared, "Impeach. Convict. Remove."
Security Measures Spark Discomfort
Security arrangements ahead of Trump's visit to the iconic Manhattan arena, home to the New York Knickerbockers - more widely known as the Knicks - had already left basketball fans and New Yorkers feeling deeply uncomfortable. Secret Service agents were seen screening supporters as they arrived at the stadium.
Earlier that day, it had been announced that fans would be banned from bringing bags into the arena, even those meeting its usual requirements, due to the president's planned appearance. Outside the venue, officers were observed directing crowds into roped-off queues, which extended significantly before the opening tip-off.
Footage showed supporters waiting more than an hour to get in, where they were then faced with enhanced security procedures from the Secret Service, reports the Express.
Video taken from the adjacent waterfront showed large military helicopters stationed on platforms near the shoreline, with smaller aircraft hovering overhead, looking for possible threats.
Game Context
Trump announced he would attend Game 3 of the Finals, which sees the Knicks welcome the San Antonio Spurs in their first home game of the best-of-seven series.
Having won the opening two matches, the Knicks need just two more victories to be crowned NBA champions for the first time since 1973. The Spurs, meanwhile, must win four games to claim the franchise's sixth NBA title since 1999, the year both teams last met in the Finals.
