Snowball Fight in NYC Park Turns Chaotic After Police Arrive

Dozens gathered for a snowball fight in Washington Square Park, but the event descended into chaos when police tried to intervene.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A planned snowball fight in New York City's Washington Square Park on Monday turned chaotic when police arrived to control the crowd. Videos show officers being pelted with snowballs, leading to two officers sustaining minor injuries. The incident has sparked a debate around policing and public gatherings, with officials and lawmakers condemning the behavior toward the police while the mayor expressed hesitation about charging the participants.

Why it matters

The snowball fight incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the public in New York City, particularly among younger residents. It also raises questions about the appropriate police response to large, spontaneous gatherings, especially in the context of a major winter storm.

The details

Dozens of people, many freed from school and work, gathered at Washington Square Park on Monday afternoon for a planned snowball fight organized by the social media group Sidetalk. Videos show a crowd of people in winter gear throwing snowballs, but the event turned chaotic when police arrived to control the crowd. Officers were pelted with snowballs, leading to two sustaining minor injuries to their heads, necks, and faces. The police are now seeking two men between 18 and 20 years old who they believe were responsible for the attacks on officers.

  • The snowball fight was planned for Monday afternoon in Washington Square Park.
  • Police were called to the park around 3 p.m. to control the growing crowd.
  • Two officers were taken to the hospital after being struck by snowballs and ice.
  • On Tuesday, the police said they were seeking two suspects between 18 and 20 years old.

The players

Sidetalk

A social media content production group that organized the snowball fight event in Washington Square Park.

Jessica Tisch

The head of the New York Police Department, who called the behavior toward officers "disgraceful" and "criminal."

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who expressed hesitation about charging the snowball fight participants, saying the incident "looks like a snowball fight" involving young people.

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What they’re saying

“The NYPD is aware of certain videos taken earlier today in Washington Square Park showing individuals attacking cops.”

— Jessica Tisch, Head of the New York Police Department (X)

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

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

What’s next

The police are continuing to investigate the incident and seek the two suspects they believe were responsible for the attacks on officers.

The takeaway

This event highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the public, particularly younger residents, in New York City. It also raises questions about the appropriate police response to large, spontaneous gatherings, especially during major weather events when people may be seeking lighthearted fun.