The public reaction to the O.J. Simpson Bronco chase on June 17, 1994 was one of shock, fascination and bizarre entertainment:

• An estimated 95 million people watched the live televised chase, making it one of the most watched events in TV history[1][2]. People were glued to their sets, not wanting to miss any developments[2].
• Crowds gathered on overpasses and freeways, cheering Simpson on with signs saying "Run OJ Run!" and "Go OJ!"[1] The chase scene was described as a "theater of the absurd" and "truly odd" by those watching[1].
• Domino's Pizza reported record pizza delivery sales that night as people ordered food to keep them company while watching the unfolding drama[2].
• The chase overshadowed major sports news happening that day, including the U.S. Open, World Cup, Stanley Cup Finals and NBA Finals[2]. ESPN and NBC frequently interrupted their sports coverage for chase updates[2].
• Many interpreted Simpson's slow-speed "flight" not as an escape attempt, but as buying time to decide whether to commit suicide, as he was reportedly holding a gun to his own head[5]. His friend Al Cowlings was trying to talk him out of it during the chase[5].

So in summary, the public was captivated by the bizarre spectacle of a famous celebrity leading police on a surreal, slow-speed chase, with many seeing it as a bizarre form of entertainment and media circus. The reaction highlighted the public's fascination with celebrity scandals and the power of live television to bring people together around a shared cultural moment.

Sources
[1] O.J. Simpson's Bronco Chase: 'Theater of the Absurd' - NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/o-j-20-years-later/o-j-simpsons-bronco-chase-theater-absurd-n129071
[2] 5 surprising facts about the O.J. Simpson Bronco chase - CNN https://www.cnn.com/2014/06/10/justice/five-things-oj-simpson-chase/index.html
[3] Gershon Rabinowitz on X: "The OJ Simpson bronco chase in 1994 ... https://twitter.com/GershOnline/status/1802866390946213936
[4] Where were you? O.J.'s Bronco chase and the moment that ... https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/02/09/in-some-ways-the-world-never-stopped-chasing-o-j-s-bronco/
[5] Why was OJ participating in Bronco chase and did not stop ... - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/1comlid/why_was_oj_participating_in_bronco_chase_and_did/