NYC Mayor Faces Backlash Over Response to Officers Pelted with Snowballs

Mamdani described the incident as a 'snowball fight between kids', drawing criticism from political rivals and police union

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has come under fire for his response to an incident where NYPD officers were pelted with snowballs, leaving two with facial injuries. Mamdani described the incident as a 'snowball fight between kids', but police and political opponents condemned the attack as criminal and disgraceful, accusing the mayor of setting a poor example and failing to support law enforcement.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the mayor's office and the NYPD, as well as broader concerns about public safety and respect for law enforcement in New York City. Mamdani's comments were seen as downplaying the severity of the attack on the officers, fueling criticism that he is not doing enough to address crime and support the police.

The details

During a blizzard on Monday, multiple NYPD officers were attacked with snowballs while responding to a call about people climbing on the roof of a building in Washington Square Park. Two officers suffered facial cuts and were taken to the hospital. Video showed the officers being bombarded with snowballs as they tried to evade the attack. Mamdani later described the incident as a 'snowball fight between kids', drawing backlash from police union leaders, former Mayor Eric Adams, and ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, who accused the mayor of setting a poor example and failing to support law enforcement.

  • The incident occurred around 4:15 pm on Monday, February 26, 2026 during a blizzard in New York City.
  • Mamdani made his comments about the incident during a press conference on Tuesday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who has faced criticism for his response to the incident involving NYPD officers being pelted with snowballs.

Patrick Hendry

The president of the Police Benevolent Association, who condemned Mamdani's characterization of the incident as a 'snowball fight' and called it an 'assault' that injured officers.

Eric Adams

The former mayor of New York City who accused Mamdani of setting a 'terrible example' and not doing enough to support law enforcement.

Andrew Cuomo

The former governor of New York who lost to Mamdani in the mayoral race last fall and criticized the current mayor's response, saying his words have 'consequences' and that he does not understand the importance of supporting police.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who said the department is investigating the incident and that the behavior depicted is 'disgraceful' and 'criminal'.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Patrick Hendry, Police Benevolent Association President

“This is disgraceful. But with a mayor who has a history of calling the police 'racist, evil, wicked and corrupt,' he set the tone. Words have consequences. We are seeing that in the growing disrespect for law enforcement — just as we've seen it in the rise in antisemitism. Real leaders understand that. This mayor does not.”

— Andrew Cuomo (X)

“ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS must speak out and make it clear that attacks on our officers, in any form, will not stand.”

— Eric Adams, Former Mayor

“I want to be very clear: The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal. Our detectives are investigating this matter.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner (X)

What’s next

The NYPD is investigating the incident and there have been no arrests so far. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow any suspects out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the mayor's office and the NYPD, as well as broader concerns about public safety and respect for law enforcement in New York City. The mayor's response was seen as downplaying the severity of the attack on the officers, fueling criticism that he is not doing enough to address crime and support the police.