Snowball Fight Turns Violent, Injuring 2 NYPD Officers

Authorities call the attack on the officers 'disturbing' and 'criminal' during a mass snowball fight in Manhattan's Washington Square Park.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Two NYPD officers were injured after a large group of people participating in a snowball fight in Washington Square Park turned on the officers, pelting them with snowballs, ice chunks, and rocks. The incident was caught on video and has since gone viral. Police are now searching for two suspects they say were responsible for assaulting the officers.

Why it matters

This incident highlights growing tensions between the public and law enforcement, with the mayor suggesting criminal charges may not be the appropriate response, while the police union president calls the attack 'disturbing' and 'criminal.' It raises questions about how to balance public safety and the right to free assembly during large public events.

The details

According to police, the officers were inside Washington Square Park when a large group of people participating in an organized snowball fight began intentionally striking the officers with snow, ice, and rocks. Two officers had to be treated at the hospital for head, face, and neck injuries. Police have released images of two suspects they say were responsible for assaulting the officers.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026 in Washington Square Park.
  • The snowball fight had been organized online earlier that day.

The players

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, whose officers were assaulted during the incident.

Patrick Hendry

President of the Police Benevolent Association, who called the attack on the officers 'disturbing' and 'criminal.'

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who suggested criminal charges may not be the appropriate response and that city employees deserve to be treated with respect.

Jessica Tisch

NYPD Commissioner, who called the footage of the incident 'disgraceful' and 'criminal.'

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What they’re saying

“It was very disturbing. This was an attack on two New York City police officers.”

— Patrick Hendry, President, Police Benevolent Association (usmagazine.com)

“From the videos I have seen, it looks like a snowball fight. They and our entire city workforce deserve to be treated with respect.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (usmagazine.com)

“The individuals who did this need to be identified, captured, arrested and then prosecuted by our Manhattan [district attorney's] office.”

— Patrick Hendry, President, Police Benevolent Association (usmagazine.com)

“This was ice chunks that were smashed on a police officer's head.”

— Patrick Hendry, President, Police Benevolent Association (usmagazine.com)

What’s next

Police are asking for the public's help to identify the two suspects they say were responsible for assaulting the officers. They are also asking anyone with information about any of the other snowball fighters to come forward.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the public, and the challenges of maintaining public safety during large public gatherings. It raises questions about how to balance the right to free assembly with the need to protect police officers and other city employees from assault.