Full Breakdown
JPMorgan Chase Executive Fired After Viral Knicks Parade Trash Can Incident
6/26/2026, 5:20:42 AM
Viral Incident During Knicks Championship Parade
On June 18, 2026, during the New York City parade marking the Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years, video captured Angie Baez, then Executive Director of Community and Industry Engagement for Card and Connected Commerce at JPMorgan Chase, emptying a Knicks-themed orange-and-blue trash can onto the sidewalk and walking away with the empty bin. The clip quickly amassed millions of views on TikTok and X.
Background and Key Figure
The Knicks secured the title on June 13, beating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90. The June 18 parade attracted an estimated two million spectators, according to the NYPD, and featured six commemorative bins among the city’s 23,000 litter baskets. Baez, 40, previously led diversity, equity and inclusion programs at The Infatuation, Squarespace and Saks Fifth Avenue before joining JPMorgan Chase.
Data & Statistics
The clip generated about 7.5 million TikTok views and over five million views. DSNY issued Baez two summonses—a $75 littering fine and a $100 penalty for impeding operations—totaling $175. The department collected 75,260 pounds of confetti and litter during parade cleanup, exceeding the small amount shown in the video.
Official Statements & Responses
JPMorgan Chase confirmed Baez is no longer employed, issuing a brief statement that she had left the company. DSNY spokesperson Vincent Gragnani said the fines are the maximum for first offenses and that the can was returned on June 24. The NYPD reported no complaint file and no criminal investigation.
Criticism & Opposition
City officials and commenters called Baez’s conduct “illegal, antisocial” and “incredibly stupid,” noting that littering and theft of public property violate New York law. Observers described the act as a flagrant disregard for civic norms.
On-the-Ground Reports
The footage shows Baez in Knicks apparel dumping the bin’s contents onto the sidewalk, then carrying the empty container away; a photo captured her on a subway with the can. DSNY posted the returned basket on X, stating the city missed the can and welcomed it back, confirming its recovery.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Baez was terminated or simply left JPMorgan Chase; the firm’s statement did not clarify. The NYPD said no complaint was filed, while DSNY pursued civil fines. Parade attendance estimates range from “hundreds of thousands” to two million spectators.
Verbatim Quotes
- “this employee is no longer with the company.” — JPMorgan Chase spokesperson
- “These fines are the maximum allowed by law for first offenses,” — Department of Sanitation spokesperson
- “First, we would reiterate previous comments that dumping trash onto the street and stealing public property for your own personal use are both illegal, antisocial behaviors, and not what New Yorkers do,” — Department of Sanitation spokesperson
- “On top of all that, doing both on camera is incredibly stupid.” — Department of Sanitation spokesperson
What’s Next
The $175 in fines remains payable, and DSNY will keep monitoring sanitation compliance at future large events. JPMorgan Chase has not announced further personnel actions.
