Michael Strahan: Our play of the day and more on the Knicks parade today here in New York. Joining us to talk about it is the mayor of the city, Zohran Mamdani. Mr. Mayor, thank you for joining us this morning. And you're not just wearing the jersey because they won, but you're a big Knicks fan. So, what does it feel like to be mayor during this historic moment in time?
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani: It's hard to even put it into words. I mean, 53 years this city has waited for this moment — [27] years since we were last in the finals. And we know that Rick Brunson was on that ‘99 team. We know that they lost to the Spurs 4-1. And for his son to lead this team and this city, to beat that same team 4-1 in 2026 — it's a beautiful moment.
George Stephanopoulos: Just incredible. The parade is already at capacity. Subways have stopped going downtown. You've got 10,000 police on the parade route, so everybody is in a good mood. But are you confident everybody’s gonna be safe?
Mayor Mamdani: Absolutely. And I'm confident because we've seen the men and women of the NYPD perform this duty over the course of this final run and before that. And as you said, this is a parade of immense excitement across our city, and frankly, even across the region. It could very well end up being the largest parade in New York City history.
Robin Roberts: So, what's your advice for people that are heading to the parade?
Mayor Mamdani: Well, at this point, I would say, if you're not in a viewing pen, those are full. We've seen Knicks fans who showed up as early as yesterday evening who were waiting for this moment. And we know the parade begins at 10. But if you're heading into the city, you should still keep coming because this is gonna be a moment to remember. We have a big city. There's a lot of bars and restaurants you can be at, and this is going to be a moment that you're gonna feel across the five boroughs.
Sam Champion: I know it's been great to watch you make this about the fans and people in the city, but I know your phone's been blowing up with VIPs. So, who are some of the people that are gonna be spotted? The notable people who are gonna be spotted today?
Mayor Mamdani: Well, you know, I think a lot of those notable people will be invited by the Knicks organization. Today, we have the parade, but then we also have the ceremony at City Hall. What I can tell you is that my focus is really about the players and about the fans. You know, we have a few thousand people that can fit into City Hall for that ceremony.
Oftentimes, fans just have to watch that on TV. We made the decision to set 600 seats aside for the people who have made this run so special, because people have been waiting, and we have been so close so many times before, and the tears of joy you've seen across the city — we want that to also be a part of the ceremony.
Strahan: Yeah, those tears are real, man. The tears of joy are real. Tell us about the key to the city. You're going to [give to the] players. You have one with you.
Mayor Mamdani: I do. I have one here with me. This is the key to the city that we will be presenting to each of the players, and it is the first key that our administration is giving out since, you know, it's been only six months, and it is designed by Azra Khalfan. It is manufactured by him [and] designed by Aneesh Bhoopathy, and the typography of the key is actually designed by Tobias Frere-Jones, who designed the typography of the 9/11 Museum, NYU — a lot of the kind of iconic typefaces in our city. We're so honored that he did this.
Roberts: And you put in the order months ago. That was very brave of you.
Mayor Mamdani: You gotta plan. You gotta be ready. As a fan, you'd never want to talk about it, but as the mayor, you gotta be ready.
Roberts: Well, you were prepared. Thank you for stopping by.
Mayor Mamdani: It's such a pleasure.
Roberts: Enjoy.
Mayor Mamdani: Thank you so much for having me.
Roberts: Anytime. Anytime.
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