Several officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) were struck in the face with snowballs while responding to reports of a disorderly crowd at Washington Square Park on Monday evening, following heavy snowstorm conditions across the city.According to police officials, officers were dispatched to the park shortly after 4 pm after receiving complaints about a large group gathering amid blizzard-like weather. However, when police arrived, they were met with crowds engaged in snowball fights, some of which escalated into people deliberately throwing snowballs at uniformed officers.Videos circulating on social media showed officers attempting to manage the situation as snowballs flew toward them, with several officers visibly struck. Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported multiple officers to nearby hospitals. Officials said the injured officers were listed in stable condition.Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the incident, calling the behaviour “disgraceful” and criminal.“The NYPD is aware of certain videos taken earlier today in Washington Square Park showing individuals attacking cops,” Tisch wrote on X. “I want to be very clear: The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal. Our detectives are investigating this matter.”Authorities confirmed that no arrests had been made so far, but investigations are ongoing to identify those involved.Police unions also issued strong statements condemning the incident. The Police Benevolent Association described the snowball-throwing as “unacceptable and outrageous,” urging authorities to arrest and charge those responsible with assault on police officers. The Detectives’ Endowment Association echoed similar concerns, saying the incident was “not harmless fun” but a deliberate attack on officers.The episode quickly sparked political reactions, with former New York governor Andrew Cuomo calling the incident “disgraceful” and linking it to broader concerns about respect for law enforcement.“Words have consequences. We are seeing that in the growing disrespect for law enforcement,” Cuomo said, while also criticising New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and urging city leaders to publicly condemn the incident.Republican congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis also weighed in, calling the attack “juvenile” and urging elected officials to stand firmly behind police personnel.
Netizens react
The videos triggered strong reactions online, with many social media users expressing anger and disappointment over the incident.One user wrote, “New Yorkers spent all day drilling police officers with snowballs. That city is like a jungle nowadays.”Another user said, “NYPD heroes who died protecting NYC are spinning in their graves. Their sacrifice deserves honor, not humiliation.” Others described the visuals as “sad” and symbolic of declining respect for law enforcement in the city.Despite the outrage, officials clarified that detectives are reviewing footage and collecting evidence. Police sources said those involved could face charges if identified.The incident comes as New York City recovers from severe winter weather that drew large crowds outdoors, turning what began as festive snow gatherings into a confrontation that has now triggered a criminal investigation.
