Kathleen Marple Kaleb: Yeah, the nail-biter of a Game Five ended in victory and a championship and quite the celebration - and some trouble - in the city. Joining us now live to talk about exactly how things are going and about what we can expect to see next is Mayor Mamdani. Good morning, sir.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani: Good morning. How's it going?
Kaleb: Good, how about you? How late a night for you?
Mayor Mamdani: You know, I went to sleep at 3:45 and I woke up asking myself: "Is this real"?
Kaleb: Okay, so how has the city done with security so far? You've heard some of the same things we have, that there have been some arrests and there was some violence and such. Are you pleased with how things have turned out, how things gone overall?
Mayor Mamdani: Well, I think first and foremost, [I have] just deep appreciation for the men and women of the NYPD who have helped to keep our city safe, not just last night, but frankly, over the course of the Finals and in general. And what we saw is the vast majority of Knicks fans who were celebrating responsibly, who've been waiting an entire lifetime for this moment. And as you said, there were a few New Yorkers who behaved in a manner that was unacceptable and we've said time and again, there's no tolerance for attacking individuals on the street, for violence - whether it be in general or against police officers. And I'm appreciative to the NYPD for the work they did last night to keep everyone safe.
Kaleb: Okay, so let's get some details on the big party that's coming up on Thursday. We understand there's going to be the parade through the Canyon of Heroes and the keys to the city, the whole traditional doodah. Tell us a little bit about that.
Mayor Mamdani: It's as you said, and it'll be the first time in Knicks' history that we have a ticker-tape parade, and it's going to be a moment where we give the first keys of the city of our administration to the Knicks. And we will be releasing additional details to New Yorkers over the next few days of how everyone can be a part of this moment, because I know, you know, we've been waiting for this for 53 years and it is one moment that none of us will ever forget.
Kaleb: Right, is it going to be the same route that it usually is? Are they planning on expanding the route or making any changes in order to include more folks so that more people can get involved if they want to?
Mayor Mamdani: So, those are going to be some of the details that we'll release in the next few days. But what I can tell you is we know the interest from New Yorkers and frankly, people across the country, is immense, in part because of how long people have been waiting and how incredible this team has been playing.
Kaleb: One more quick question: In the wake of last night and some of the things that happened last night, are you reevaluating some of this security and traffic plans to tighten up a little bit and prevent some of the stuff that happened last night?
Mayor Mamdani: You know, I think that what we saw is the NYPD able to perform the work that was needed across the city. And as you said, it's coming at a time when we have an overlap with the World Cup, as well as last night, there were overlaps with preplanned concerts as well. And we're going to continue to evaluate everything coming out of this, but I do think a lot of the circumstances from yesterday evening were specific and unique and we are looking forward to Thursday.
Kaleb: Thank you very much for joining us this morning to talk about it. Mayor Mamdani, good morning, sir. Thank you.
Mayor Mamdani: Real pleasure. Thank you for having me. All the best.
Kaleb: Go Knicks.
