Crowds at Madison Square Garden erupted into loud and raucous boos as US President Donald Trump arrived for the NBA finals. Trump's presence on the jumbotron ahead of the game was the catalyst for the jeering. The president was smiling as he saluted through the song. The boos then transformed into cheers as the camera panned to Knicks star Jalen Brunson on the court.
Trump was standing in Knicks owner Jim Dolan's box, accompanied by a slew of administration officials. Some of Trump's family members, including special envoy Jared Kushner and granddaughter Kai Trump, also joined.
Footage circulating online shows crowds at a viewing party in New York's Bryant Park also erupting in jeers at the sight of the controversial US President.
NBC reports that a secure zone was established in Manhattan near Madison Square Garden, preventing both pedestrians and vehicles from passing through the area. Trump's presence at the game makes him the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. But he is no stranger to attending high-profile sporting events.
Game 3 was the 17th sporting event Trump has attended in person since he returned to office last year. He has attended the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 and the men's tennis US Open final, among others.
According to the New York Times, the Knicks are in the NBA finals for the first time since 1999, when they lost to the Spurs.
