NYC Council Grills Officials on Cold Weather Response After 18 Deaths

City admits initial blast of frigid weather took many by surprise, leading to calls for policy changes.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In the wake of 18 deaths during a recent cold snap in New York City, city officials faced tough questioning from the City Council on their response and policies around homelessness and offering shelter to those in need. Social Services Commissioner Molly Park acknowledged there are lessons to be learned, as the council criticized the policy of allowing homeless individuals to refuse shelter, leading to preventable deaths.

Why it matters

The deaths during the cold weather highlight ongoing challenges the city faces in protecting its most vulnerable residents, especially the homeless population. The hearings put pressure on the Mamdani administration to re-evaluate policies and improve coordination of outreach and shelter services during extreme weather events.

The details

According to data shared at the hearing, 15 of the 18 deaths are believed to be hypothermia-related, with 8 confirmed as such. The NYPD offered shelter to 1,500 people during the cold snap, but only about 540 accepted, and 33 were removed involuntarily. City Council Speaker Julie Menin questioned the policy of allowing mentally fit homeless individuals to refuse shelter, saying 'These New Yorkers should be alive today.' Officials acknowledged the cold weather 'caught people by surprise' as it dropped 'really sharply, really fast' on a Friday night.

  • The snowstorm that led to the 18 deaths occurred two weeks prior to the City Council hearings.
  • The City Council hearings took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Molly Park

The New York City Social Services Commissioner, who acknowledged there are lessons to be learned from the city's response and is resigning in the weeks ahead.

Julie Menin

The New York City Council Speaker, who questioned the policy of allowing mentally fit homeless individuals to refuse shelter, saying 'These New Yorkers should be alive today.'

Joanne Ariola

A New York City Council member who praised the use of warming vans but said the homeless 'do need medical treatment if nothing else.'

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What they’re saying

“If any of us gets to the point where we cannot learn from experience, we are not doing our job as public servants.”

— Molly Park, Social Services Commissioner

“These New Yorkers should be alive today. I think it is very concerning if someone is experiencing homelessness and they're asked if they want to come inside and they refuse that — to leave them on the street, I think, is not humane.”

— Julie Menin, City Council Speaker

“These people do need medical treatment if nothing else. Which is why the warming buses are good. At least they get the treatment they need.”

— Joanne Ariola, City Council Member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.