United States President Donald Trump was greeted with loud boos from New York Knicks fans when he attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday, despite being the first sitting president ever to attend an NBA Finals game.

Security was heightened, with authorities barring fans without tickets from coming within several blocks of the venue. Trump watched the game from an executive suite but was shown on the Jumbotron during the national anthem, prompting a chorus of boos.

The Athletic reported that Trump, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the opposing San Antonio Spurs. White House pool reporters said the president had been booed 'thunderously'.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed Trump's presence, calling him a 'genuine Knicks fan'. However, ESPN reported that fans made rude gestures towards Trump's motorcade and held signs reading 'Trump must go'.

Multiple checkpoints were set up, and fans were urged to arrive at least two hours early. The Secret Service deployed counter-drone technology, as Trump has faced three alleged assassination attempts in less than two years.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the game, buying his own standing-room-only ticket for nearly $1,000. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer criticized Trump for inconveniencing fans, writing: 'Trump should LEAVE US ALONE! He’s not wanted here.'

Source: www.aljazeera.com