NYC Mayor Downplays NYPD Snowball Ambush as 'Out of Hand' Incident

Mamdani refuses to condemn attack that left officers injured, sparking outrage from police unions

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:06pm

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has again downplayed an attack in which several NYPD officers were pelted with snow, calling it a "snowball fight that got out of hand" and refusing to condemn the incident further. This is not the first time Mamdani has minimized the alleged assault, which left officers with injuries to their head, neck and face. Police unions have slammed the mayor's response as a "complete failure of leadership" and a "disgraceful message" to officers.

Why it matters

The mayor's dismissive response to the alleged attack on police officers has sparked outrage from law enforcement groups, who say Mamdani is failing to support the NYPD and is sending a dangerous message that such assaults on officers will be tolerated. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the mayor's office and the police department.

The details

On Monday, several NYPD officers responding to a call about a disorderly crowd in Washington Square Park were pelted with snowballs, suffering injuries to their head, neck and face. No arrests have been made. While the NYPD commissioner condemned the "disgraceful and criminal" behavior, Mamdani has repeatedly downplayed the incident as a "snowball fight that got out of hand," saying he does not believe the alleged perpetrators should face assault charges.

  • On Monday afternoon, the NYPD officers were pelted with snowballs in Washington Square Park.
  • On Tuesday, Mamdani first described the incident as "kids having a snowball fight."
  • On Wednesday, Mamdani again referred to the alleged assault as a "snowball fight that got out of hand."

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has repeatedly downplayed the alleged assault on NYPD officers as a harmless snowball fight.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD commissioner who condemned the "disgraceful and criminal" behavior depicted in the incident.

Patrick Hendry

The president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, who slammed Mamdani's response as a "complete failure of leadership."

Vincent Vallelong

The president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, who said the behavior of those throwing snowballs at officers "crossed a clear line."

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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. By ignoring their injuries and dismissing the incident, the mayor has sent a disgraceful message to every police officer who serves this city, and a dangerous message to every person who might be looking to attack a police officer in the future.”

— Patrick Hendry, President, Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York

“We cannot condemn strongly enough the recent disgraceful and dangerous attacks on NYPD Police Officers while responding to a 911 call in Washington Square Park. The behavior of the people throwing the snowballs, many of whom are believed to be NYU students, was reckless and unlawful, and put the lives and safety of others at risk.”

— Vincent Vallelong, President, Sergeants Benevolent Association

What’s next

The NYPD says detectives are investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made so far. The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow any suspects to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The mayor's dismissive response to the alleged attack on police officers highlights the ongoing tensions between City Hall and the NYPD, and raises concerns about whether the administration will hold perpetrators accountable for assaults on law enforcement. This incident underscores the need for strong leadership to support public safety and the rule of law in New York City.