By Vladimir Lionter
NEW YORK CITY — The NYPD has its share of heroic tales, and this holiday season added another to the list. This time, their vigilance extended from thwarting holiday mischief to securing an international chess event. On Monday afternoon, the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship, hosted on Wall Street, faced an unexpected disruption that could have derailed its smooth operations.
Around 1:45 p.m., a disheveled man wearing a mask and glasses obstructed the press entrance, blocking journalists’ access to the championship. Despite officers’ arrival, the man relocated to the players’ entrance, attempting further disruption.
The NYPD quickly intervened, arresting the individual and removing his mask to reveal Tyrell Harriott, an American chess enthusiast with a troubled past in the chess community. Harriott resisted arrest and attempted to incite the crowd by loudly calling for medical assistance. Emergency medical services (EMS) arrived, but Harriott refused to cooperate and lie on the stretcher. Officers ultimately restrained him to ensure his removal from the premises.
“My leg, don’t hurt me!” Harriott reportedly yelled as officers placed him on the stretcher. His protests were met with a calm but firm response: “Stop resisting.” Once secured in the EMS vehicle, he was transported away from the venue, allowing players and journalists to resume their activities.
A chess fan’s troubled history
Harriott’s actions were not his first controversy in the chess world. Earlier this year, he was suspended for 90 days by the US Chess Federation for violating its Safe Play Policy. The situation escalated in June when he received a five-year suspension for breaching the federation’s Code of Ethics. His appearance at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship appeared to be a desperate attempt to gain entry after his accreditation request was denied.
Harriott’s behavior may result in a lifetime ban from official chess tournaments, marking a sharp decline for an amateur with a clear passion for the game.
A secure chess championship
Thanks to the swift intervention of the NYPD, the international chess event proceeded without further interruptions. The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship, one of the most prestigious events in the chess calendar, features the world’s top players competing in fast-paced formats. While Harriott’s antics momentarily disrupted the event, the brilliance of the matches quickly overshadowed the incident.
This episode underscores the importance of maintaining strict security at high-profile events. Chess, often dubbed the “game of kings,” is not immune to disruptions, highlighting the need for vigilance to preserve the integrity of the competition.
Harriott’s story is a cautionary tale for the chess world. Passion for the game is commendable, but it must be tempered with respect for the rules and community. His actions underscore the importance of ethical conduct, not only in chess but in all aspects of life.
For now, Harriott faces potential charges for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and trespassing, further compounding his troubles. The NYPD’s quick response ensured the championship’s spirit of competition and camaraderie prevailed, allowing players to focus on what they do best: battling it out on the 64 squares.
As the holiday season continues, this incident serves as a reminder that while chess challenges the mind, its integrity relies on the good conduct of all involved—on and off the board
About the author
Vladimir Lionter is a journalist and chess enthusiast based in New York. His interests include exploring the connections between strategy, education and culture, as well as photography. Follow him on Instagram.
