Mamdani Faces Backlash After Snowball Attack on NYPD
Two NYPD officers were injured after being struck with snow and ice during a large Washington Square Park snowball fight, prompting an NYPD investigation and criticism of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Overview
The NYPD released photos of two men it is seeking after saying the suspects "intentionally struck the police officers multiple times" with snow and ice in Washington Square Park.
The confrontation occurred during an organized Washington Square Park snowball fight, and police said officers were hit in the head, neck and face and taken by EMS to Northwell Greenwich Village Hospital.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he saw videos and did not think charges were warranted and urged respect for officers, while Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the behavior "disgraceful" and "criminal."
Two officers were hospitalized, the NYPD described the suspects as roughly 18 to 20 years old, detectives said no arrests had been made as of Tuesday, and hundreds had turned up for the planned fight.
Detectives are investigating, the NYPD has asked for tips and released images, and law enforcement unions demanded arrests and prosecution while political critics condemned Mamdani's earlier anti-police rhetoric.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the incident through a law-and-order lens, prioritizing police perspective and political fallout. They emphasize vivid action (pelted; officers shoved people) and highlight condemnatory language (disgraceful, criminal, assault), sequencing injuries and official rebukes before the mayor’s response to shape a narrative of accountability.
Sources (20)
![NYPD Officers Pelted With Snow While Responding To Organized Snowball Fight In Manhattan Park [VIDEO] - Joe.My.God.](https://www.joemygod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/snwofigh.jpg)
FAQ
The officers were struck in the head, face, and neck with snow and ice, resulting in cuts to their faces; they were taken to Northwell Greenwich Village Hospital by EMS in stable condition.
Mayor Mamdani stated that from the videos he saw, it looked like a snowball fight involving kids and did not think charges were warranted; he urged respect for officers and posted on X that officers deserve respect during the blizzard.
Commissioner Tisch called the behavior 'disgraceful' and 'criminal,' with detectives investigating; Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry described it as a vicious assault, not a snowball fight, and criticized the mayor's response as a failure of leadership.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday; the NYPD released photos of two suspects aged 18-20 and is seeking public tips for the ongoing investigation.
Officers responded to a report of multiple individuals on a roof inside the park during an organized massive snowball fight following a blizzard.
History
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