Madison Square Garden will be under a significant security lockdown on Monday night as President Donald Trump is expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The New York Police Department and the Secret Service are implementing a "block-to-two-block-radius" security perimeter around the arena in Midtown Manhattan.

This heightened security measure is in response to the presence of the President, a situation officials stated New Yorkers are accustomed to. The measures aim to ensure safety during the high-profile event.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that streets and avenues around Madison Square Garden will begin closing at 4 p.m. ET, four-and-a-half hours before the 8:30 p.m. ET tipoff. A "security frozen zone" will be established, with entry restricted to ticket holders, those with train tickets for nearby Pennsylvania Station, employees of businesses within the area, or individuals with authorized credentials.

Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Field Office in New York, Matt McCool, advised ticketed fans to arrive at the Garden two hours early to navigate the multiple security layers, including magnetometers. The NYPD assessment indicated a heightened risk of attention from malicious actors across the ideological spectrum during the NBA Finals' return to New York.

As a result of President Trump's attendance, a fan watch party scheduled to take place outside Madison Square Garden was canceled. Commissioner Tisch noted that other watch parties are still scheduled, including one hosted by Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Bryant Park. The Garden's outdoor watch party is set to resume for Game 4.

Commissioner Tisch explained that the security perimeter is designed to manage access effectively. No backpacks will be permitted inside the secured area unless individuals are heading to Pennsylvania Station for a train. This strict policy aims to prevent any potential security threats.

The decision to implement such extensive security measures underscores the challenges of hosting major public events when high-profile figures are in attendance. The NYPD's assessment highlighting "heightened risk" from "malicious actors" suggests a proactive approach to mitigate potential disruptions.

While the focus is on the security surrounding the President's visit, the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs continue. The series, currently underway, draws significant attention, and the added security layer at Madison Square Garden reflects the current climate and the importance of the event.