Sell-out crowd jeers as Trump appears on jumbotron during national anthem amid heightened security in New York.
Image: AP NEWS
NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump was met with loud boos during the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where he attended Monday’s game under tight security.
The reaction came when Trump appeared on the arena’s jumbotron during the national anthem, prompting jeers from sections of the sell-out crowd.
Security around the venue was significantly increased, with restricted access zones, heavy police deployment, and Secret Service protection in place.
Officials also limited public gatherings near the arena and urged ticket holders to arrive early due to airport-style screening procedures.
The heightened security measures followed concerns over safety, including recent incidents in nearby areas of New York City.
Inside the arena, the NBA Finals game continued as planned, with the visiting team narrowly defeating the home side in a closely contested match.
Trump’s appearance also drew mixed reactions outside the venue, with some supporters welcoming his attendance while others criticised the disruption caused by the security lockdown.
The incident adds to a series of high-profile public appearances by the president that have drawn both strong support and protest reactions.
