Thousands of New York Knicks fans gathered in lower Manhattan to celebrate the team's NBA championship, but many were left outside designated viewing areas after the NYPD announced they had reached full capacity.
The NYPD said all viewing pens were full by 7:30 am, despite the championship parade not beginning until 10 am.
Police warned spectators that those who left the viewing pens would not be allowed back in and noted that trains were not stopping south of Canal Street in Manhattan.
Many fans who arrived early Thursday morning said they were disappointed to find access already closed.
Large crowds gathered outside barriers, chanting 'Let us in' as access to viewing pens was cut off.
Despite a massive security deployment of over 10,000 officers, some spectators attempted to climb over barriers or scale nearby structures as crowds continued to build throughout the morning.
