NYC: Police Attacked at Washington Square Park – Mayor Reacts

Snowball Fight in Washington Square Park Sparks Investigation, Debate

New York City police are investigating an incident in Washington Square Park on Monday afternoon where multiple officers were struck with snowballs, reportedly sustaining injuries. The incident has ignited a public debate, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani characterizing it as a snowball fight while the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) decried it as a violent assault.

The NYPD responded to the park at approximately 4 p.m. On Monday following reports of individuals on a roof within the park grounds. Upon arrival, officers say they were immediately targeted with snowballs thrown by a crowd of people. Two officers were subsequently treated at a nearby hospital for injuries to the face and head, according to police.

The NYPD has released images of four individuals they are seeking to question in connection with the incident. The images were released in two sets, with two individuals identified on Tuesday afternoon and another pair hours later. The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying these individuals, labeling them as persons “wanted for ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICER.”

Mayor Mamdani, after reviewing videos of the event, stated, “From the videos that I’ve seen, it looks like a snowball fight.” He does not believe anyone involved should face criminal charges. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from the PBA.

“This was not just a ‘snowball fight.’ This was an assault – by adults throwing chunks of ice and rocks – that landed two police officers in the hospital with head and face injuries,” said PBA President Patrick Hendry in a statement. He characterized the incident as a “vicious attack” and a disgrace, arguing it was “not a joke” or a “game.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch echoed the PBA’s sentiment, stating on social media that the behavior depicted in the videos was “disgraceful, and We see criminal.” She confirmed that detectives are actively investigating the matter.

The incident comes amid ongoing discussions about policing in New York City. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo criticized Mamdani’s response, referencing the mayor’s past statements about the NYPD. “This is disgraceful. But with a mayor who has a history of calling the police ‘racist, evil, wicked and corrupt,’ he set the tone. Words have consequences. We are seeing that in the growing disrespect for law enforcement,” Cuomo wrote on X.

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams also weighed in, stating on X that politicians who consistently criticize the police and fail to support them are “setting a terrible example.” He emphasized the importance of leadership and tone.

In 2020, Mamdani described the NYPD as “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety.” He later offered an apology to police officers, stating his desire to work with them and acknowledging the risks they face daily.

As of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and the NYPD continues to seek information from the public regarding the individuals pictured in the released images.

The incident highlights the tensions that can arise between law enforcement and the public, even in seemingly innocuous situations. The differing perspectives offered by Mayor Mamdani and police officials underscore the complexities of addressing public safety concerns and maintaining respect for both officers and citizens.