Trump’s attendance at Knicks-Spurs Game 3 triggers increased security
Massive security preparations are underway for NBA Finals Game 3 in New York City due to Donald Trump’s planned attendance. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s visit. The NYPD and Secret Service have implemented a “frozen zone” around Madison Square Garden, leading to warnings from fans and a no-bag policy. Former FBI agent James Gagliano discusses these heightened security measures following a recent stabbing at Penn Station.
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The first NBA Finals game played at Madison Square Garden (MSG) since 1999 came with a massive security presence as President Donald Trump will attend Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
When Trump became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, everyone from media to fans who wanted to enter “The Garden” were told to arrive early as security protocols would be much more thorough than usual.
Pakinomist Digital was among the media pool waiting around MSG and can confirm that the wait will likely be long with the enhanced security involving the Secret Service, TSA and likely more once fans are allowed into the building.
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Members of the U.S. Secret Service walk the perimeter of a security fence outside Madison Square Garden prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026, in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
For media, which has been allowed bags and gear for work compared to fans who must adhere to a strict no-bag policy Monday night, the Secret Service and TSA were thorough with their checks upon entry. A trip through your standard metal detector was next and it was good to go.
Fans could experience more when the gates open two hours before the 8:30 PM ET tip-off at MSG, but longer wait times are bound to happen as security and law enforcement personnel make sure to carry out their duties to the highest standard.
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The scene around the arena was a shock to Monday morning commuters, but made sense given the circumstances. A security fence was set up around the arena, while the NYPD announced that vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue at 6 p.m.
Thus, no one without a ticket, identification or business inside the restricted area will be allowed. The NYPD was already out in large numbers in the area, as Pakinomist Digital captured, ready to enforce the protocols.
NYPD officers are crowding Madison Square Garden as heightened security protocols have been put in place with President Donald Trump’s expected attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals. (Pakinomist)
Watch parties in the area were also canceled, and the NYPD claimed it was because of security for Trump’s visit.
“The NYPD in coordination with the Secret Service made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support sea parties right outside the Garden,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a news conference. “We’re looking forward to bringing watch parties back for Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents coming to town and they understand that generally means area shutdowns, and that’s what you’re going to see tonight at the Garden.”
MSG pushed back on the NYPD’s position, saying the permit was denied by local city officials rather than Trump’s presence.
A Secret Service sign is displayed on a security fence at Madison Square Garden in New York City prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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Trump has attended several sporting events since the start of his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500 and the Ryder Cup.
Either way, fans privileged to attend MSG for Game 3 at the astronomical ticket prices will need to prepare for long lines and be ready to be thoroughly checked before watching Jalen Brunson and the Knicks go up against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs once again.
