NYPD Officers Pelted with Snowballs in Greenwich Village Incident

Mayor Mamdani faces criticism over response to officers being struck by snowballs

Feb. 25, 2026 at 4:07pm

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New York City police are investigating after officers were pelted with snowballs while responding to a large snowball fight at Washington Square Park in Manhattan. Videos show officers being struck in the face with snowballs, with some being removed by EMS in stable condition. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the behavior "disgraceful" and "criminal," while Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced backlash for appearing to downplay the incident as just a "snowball fight."

Why it matters

The incident has sparked a debate over respect for law enforcement under the new mayor, with Mamdani's critics seizing on the event as evidence that respect for police has declined. The police union president accused Mamdani of a "complete failure of leadership" in his response to the officers being assaulted.

The details

Multiple uniformed NYPD officers were struck in the face with snowballs while responding to the large snowball fight in Washington Square Park. Videos show the officers growing visibly frustrated, shoving at least two people to the ground as the snowballs continued. One officer can be seen rubbing his eye at the end of the video. The NYPD said the injured officers were removed by EMS in stable condition.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 24, 2026 in Washington Square Park in Manhattan.

The players

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner who called the behavior "disgraceful" and "criminal" and said the department is investigating the incident.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City who faced criticism for appearing to downplay the incident as just a "snowball fight" and was accused by the police union president of a "complete failure of leadership" in his response.

Patrick Hendry

The president of New York City's largest police union, the Police Benevolent Association, who criticized Mayor Mamdani's response and said "This was not just a 'snowball fight.' This was an assault."

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What they’re saying

“Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving. Treat them with respect. If anyone's catching a snowball, it's me.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (X)

“From the videos that I've seen, it looks like a snowball fight.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (News Conference)

“This was not just a 'snowball fight.' This was an assault.”

— Patrick Hendry, President, Police Benevolent Association (Statement)

What’s next

The NYPD is investigating the incident and has released images of two people they are searching for in connection with the snowball throwing. The mayor's response has faced significant criticism, and it remains to be seen if any criminal charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the NYPD and some segments of the New York City community, with the mayor's perceived downplaying of the officers' injuries sparking outrage from the police union. It raises questions about maintaining respect for law enforcement and ensuring the safety of officers, even in the midst of a snowball fight.