A lot of the gangs go to the Auto Show because they have all the new "whips" and stuff and it gives them something to do...

Couple that with being in Manhattan, around Times Square (tourist central) and rival gangs attending the show, and it's kind of a recipe for violence.

Like I said the only report of gang violence in NYC associated with the NYAS was of a 17 year old stabbed on 7th Ave. Last year though, the gang violence was out of control, and the NYPD advised merchants around Times Square to shut down during certain days/times.

Also, some of the gangs have initiations on or the day before Easter Sunday.

The incident in New Rochelle at New Roc City was also associated to gang members who got kicked out of the NYAS and went up there afterwards.

Ask most cops, especially in Midtown South what they associate the NYAS show with, and I think the most common answer would be gang violence...