Jonathan Strahs; A school bus burns as fans celebrate after the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the title in New York, US, early on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Jonathan Strahs; A school bus burns as fans celebrate after the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the title in New York, US, early on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Jonathan Strahs, 30, was arrested and charged with federal arson after he allegedly set a school bus on fire in Times Square
The fire occurred during chaotic celebrations after the Knicks clinched the NBA championship
The school bus was one of several being used to transport spectators to FIFA World Cup matches
Authorities have arrested a man they say set a school bus on fire in Times Square following the New York Knicks’ victory in the NBA Finals.
Brooklyn resident Jonathan Strahs, 30, faces one count of federal arson in connection with the incident, the FDNY announced on Monday, July 20.
“This fire, set on a busy street during a night of celebration, put the lives of bystanders and first responders at risk,” FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. “The work of our agencies has removed a dangerous individual from the streets of New York City and the FDNY will continue to work closely with our public safety partners to keep New Yorkers safe.”
The incident unfolded amid pandemonium in Midtown Manhattan following the Knicks’ victory over the Spurs in Game 5 of the finals — the Knicks’ first championship win in 53 years.
At about 2:47 a.m., an individual believed to be Strahs was seen on surveillance video entering and exiting a school bus stopped on West 42nd Street, between 8th and 9th avenues, according to the FDNY press release.
Shortly after the individual left, a fire was discovered inside, authorities said.
A school bus burns as fans celebrate after the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the title in New York, US, early on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
A school bus burns as fans celebrate after the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the title in New York, US, early on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The blaze ultimately engulfed the bus and spread to another vehicle before being extinguished.
The bus was part of a convoy chartered to bring fans from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to MetLife Stadium for FIFA World Cup soccer matches.
Strahs was arrested at his Brooklyn home Monday morning, the FDNY said. It was not immediately clear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney.
The NYPD said it arrested 63 people in the wake of the Game 5 victory last month.
Other buses in the convoy were destroyed with bats while five NYPD squad cars were badly damaged. Fights broke out all over Midtown, and one 17-year-old was shot in Times Square, PEOPLE previously reported.