NYC Mayor Under Fire for Dismissing Snowball Assault on Police Officers
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing intense criticism after describing a violent snowball barrage against NYPD officers as merely a "snowball fight" involving "kids," despite two officers requiring emergency room treatment and authorities pushing for assault charges.
Violent Confrontation in Washington Square Park
According to ABC 7 News, police officers were bombarded with snowballs containing ice and debris in Washington Square Park on Monday afternoon during a historic blizzard. The confrontation escalated quickly, with officers being struck repeatedly in the face and head as they responded to reports of individuals gathered on a park rooftop.
The entire minute-long incident was captured on video by journalist Brendan Gutenschwager, showing a large crowd shouting profanities and pelting officers with snowballs as they navigated snow-covered walkways. One snowball was pressed directly against an officer's neck, while another officer appeared in footage with a visibly swollen and red left eye from a direct impact.
Police Response and Union Outrage
The NYPD has launched a full investigation, releasing photos of two "wanted" suspects on their official X account and seeking arrests on assault charges. Two officers were transported to the emergency room with head and facial injuries following the confrontation.
Patrick Hendry, President of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, condemned the mayor's response as "a complete failure of leadership." In a statement to Fox 5 News, Hendry emphasized: "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."
The police union warned that dismissing the incident sends a dangerous message to anyone considering targeting officers in the future and demanded a thorough criminal investigation.
Mayor's Controversial Statements
During a press conference on Tuesday with the Office of Emergency Management, Mayor Mamdani doubled down on his characterization of the incident, stating: "I can just tell you from the video I saw, it looked like kids at a snowball fight." He added, "The only person in our city's workforce who deserves to be hit with a snowball is me."
While acknowledging that city workers deserve respect for their efforts during the blizzard, Mamdani's comments sparked immediate backlash from law enforcement leaders and political commentators. Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly responded on X: "NOT. IT. SIR. Kids??"
Witness Accounts and Escalating Tensions
Rahul Nag, a witness to the events, told ABC that what began as harmless fun quickly spiraled out of control when several youths started hurling snow from the roof of the park's restrooms. "It wasn't supposed to be violent. It started out as a very fun thing to do. And then, you know, it just escalated," Nag explained.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch joined other city leaders in condemning the attack, posting on X: "I want to be very clear: The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal." The police department continues to urge anyone with information about the suspects to contact @NYPDTips or call their tip line as the investigation progresses.
No arrests have been made at this time, but authorities emphasize they are pursuing all leads in what they classify as a serious assault on law enforcement personnel during challenging winter conditions.
