COLD RESPONSE: Mamdani downplays snowball attack NYPD; will not push for charges, despite hospitalized cops
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani downplayed a chaotic snowball attack on NYPD officers in Washington Square Park, describing it as harmless fun despite multiple officers sustaining injuries requiring hospitalization.
The incident occurred amid a historic blizzard that dumped nearly 20 inches of snow across the city, with officers responding to 911 calls about a large, disorderly crowd participating in a pre-planned snowball fight organized and promoted on social media.
Videos circulating online showed dozens of people—many described as young adults—pelting uniformed officers with snowballs and chunks of ice as they attempted to disperse the group, striking several in the head and face and causing facial lacerations. At least two officers were hospitalized for treatment before being released to recover at home, while the department confirmed multiple others were evaluated on scene.
At a Tuesday press conference and in a social media post, Mamdani, the democratic socialist, downplayed the event, claiming it “looked like kids at a snowball fight,” and urged New Yorkers to “treat [officers] with respect.” He explicitly stated he does not believe participants should face assault-on-a-police-officer charges, adding lightheartedly that “if anyone’s catching a snowball, it’s me.”
Mamdani has a documented history of past criticism of the NYPD, including 2020 remarks calling officers “racist, evil, wicked and corrupt,” which he has since partially walked back, but critics argue his rhetoric has contributed to a climate of diminished respect for law enforcement.
(read more below)
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the behavior as “disgraceful” and “criminal,” announcing an active detective investigation with no arrests made as of February 24. Police unions reacted sharply: the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association called the attack “unacceptable and outrageous,” demanding identification, arrests, and felony assault charges, while the Detectives’ Endowment Association labeled it a “deliberate, outrageous, and dangerous attack” and urged Mayor Mamdani and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to prosecute fully. Former NYPD Chief of Department John Chell called the incident a “f—ing disgrace” and urged a strong police presence in city parks the next day, warning that “if one snowball hits a cop, there should be very forceful arrests—make it legally painful.” Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis demanded the mayor denounce the “juvenile attack” and “back the blue,” while former Gov. Andrew Cuomo directly blamed Mamdani’s past anti-police statements for fostering disrespect.
As the NYPD continues reviewing footage, the lack of immediate charges has drawn accusations that progressive leadership is once again prioritizing leniency over accountability for attacks on first responders working through extreme weather to keep the city safe.