NYPD Officers Hospitalised After Snowball Ambush in Washington Square Park
New York City police are conducting a full investigation after multiple officers were bombarded with snowballs and required hospital treatment while responding to a large-scale snowball fight at Washington Square Park in Manhattan. The incident occurred during a severe winter storm that blanketed the Northeast region with heavy snowfall on Monday.
Chaotic Scene Captured on Video
Video footage from the scene vividly shows two uniformed NYPD officers walking along a park pathway as snowballs are hurled at them aggressively from multiple directions. The projectiles strike the officers repeatedly, covering them in snow and visibly frustrating them. In the chaotic footage, the officers push at least two individuals to the ground in response to the assault.
At one particularly confrontational moment, a person runs up behind an officer and smears snow directly onto his head. Toward the end of the footage, one officer appears to rub his eye, possibly indicating injury from the snowball barrage.
Officers Transported to Hospital in Stable Condition
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the New York Police Department confirmed that several officers were struck in the face with snowballs during the incident. Emergency Medical Services personnel transported the injured officers to a nearby hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have not provided specific details about the nature or extent of their injuries at this time.
No arrests have been announced in connection with the snowball assault, but the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Police Commissioner Condemns "Disgraceful" Behaviour
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch issued a strong condemnation of the incident, describing the behaviour as "disgraceful" and "criminal." She emphasised that the department is thoroughly investigating the assault on officers who were simply performing their duties during challenging winter conditions.
Political Figures Weigh In on Incident
The snowball fight quickly escalated into a political controversy, with several prominent figures denouncing the attack on law enforcement. Many critics of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani seized upon the incident as evidence that respect for police has declined under his administration, referencing past criticisms he made of the department in 2020 during his campaign. Mayor Mamdani has since walked back those earlier remarks.
In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Mayor Mamdani wrote: "I've seen the videos of kids throwing snowballs at NYPD officers in Washington Square Park. Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving. Treat them with respect. If anyone’s catching a snowball, it’s me."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed her support for the officers, stating on X: "Our NYPD officers put themselves on the line to protect us every day. It is never acceptable to throw anything at a police officer, full stop."
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and segments of the public in New York City, particularly during moments of civil unrest or public gatherings. As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing all available evidence, including the viral video footage, to identify those responsible for the snowball assault on officers who were responding to maintain public safety during severe winter weather conditions.
