A photo of an NYPD officer holding a folder labeled “Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce wedding” outside Madison Square Garden added a new visual clue to one of New York City’s most closely watched celebrity events, while a local congresswoman argued the couple should reimburse the city for the police presence around it.
NBC New York reported that News 4 captured the officer outside MSG on Thursday, July 2, holding a folder with the couple’s names and the word “wedding” on it. The folder was dated Thursday, the same day widely reported as the smaller rehearsal-dinner event tied to the expected two-day celebration.
The photo surfaced as Rep. Nicole Malliotakis criticized the use of NYPD resources around the event. In a Facebook post, the New York Republican said Swift and Kelce should reimburse the NYPD for the officers assigned to the high-profile security operation.
The couple has not publicly confirmed the details themselves. NBC New York reported that city officials have also declined to share many specifics, even as permit activity, police comments and preparations around Madison Square Garden have continued to point to a major private event over the July Fourth weekend.
NBC New York Captured the NYPD Folder Outside MSG
NBC New York reported that the officer was seen Thursday morning outside Madison Square Garden with a folder reading “Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce wedding.” The outlet noted that it was not clear whether the folder genuinely included wedding details.
The folder photo followed days of visible activity around the arena. Crews have been seen unloading equipment, and NBC New York reported that a large carpet was briefly rolled out near one entrance before being removed.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Wednesday that a permit had been filed for a “large event” at Madison Square Garden, according to NBC New York. The permit also requested a tent and street closures around the venue, though the administration declined to say who filed it.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said police “will of course have a detail in place,” but did not provide further specifics. Reuters also reported that police barriers were set up around the venue Thursday morning, with streets closed and pedestrian walkways blocked.
Malliotakis Said Swift and Kelce Should Reimburse NYPD
Malliotakis, who represents New York’s 11th District, argued that the couple should cover the city’s police cost for the event.
“Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce should reimburse NYPD for the 130 officers needed per day to keep their multi-million dollar, thousand person wedding safe,” she wrote on Facebook.
“Everywhere they go they have body guards and security, use them not NYPD,” Malliotakis added. “Or don’t get married in MSG go somewhere else.”
Swift and Kelce have not publicly responded to Malliotakis’ post. City officials have not publicly said whether the couple, MSG, event organizers or taxpayers would cover any portion of the reported police costs.
Reports Put the Police Presence at More Than 100 Officers
Page Six reported that the NYPD presence could cost more than $160,000 and involve more than 130 officers, including detectives and rookie officers working around the event.
The New York Post also reported that more than 130 officers would be deployed daily around the two-day celebration, with officers assigned to street closures, crowd control and security outside MSG.
Reuters reported that the preparations are also unfolding during a crowded holiday stretch that includes Independence Day events, America 250 activity, a World Cup match in nearby New Jersey and a heat emergency in New York City.
Reuters reported that hundreds of local law enforcement officers are expected to patrol the area, citing a New York Times report about a memo titled “Taylor Swift wedding at Madison Square Garden.”
The Reported Celebration Is Expected to Span Two Days
NBC New York reported that the celebrations are expected to begin Thursday night with a smaller event for about 100 people. A law enforcement official briefed on the security plans told the Associated Press that the Thursday event would be the rehearsal dinner, according to NBC New York.
A larger Friday celebration is expected to involve about 1,100 attendees, according to a Madison Square Garden source cited by NBC New York. The outlet also reported that a source with knowledge of the matter said invitees were sent nondisclosure agreements with electronic invitations and that multiple performances were expected.
Reuters reported that workers had been hauling food and decor into the venue, including foliage, a box marked “garden party” and another marked “lobster meat.” The outlet also noted that Madison Square Garden’s public calendar showed no events scheduled until Tuesday, a rare six-day gap for the arena.
NBC New York reported that it is still not known whether the wedding ceremony itself will take place inside Madison Square Garden or whether the venue is being used for the reception. The guest list and possible performances have also not been publicly confirmed by the couple.