Cuomo Criticizes NYC Mayor Mamdani Over Snowball Incident

Former governor calls mayor's comments 'childish' after police officers injured in confrontation

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sharply criticized current New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on social media following the mayor's comments about a snowball incident involving NYPD officers. Cuomo accused Mamdani of being 'childish' and called on him to 'stand with public safety' after officers were reportedly pelted with snowballs, some allegedly packed with ice, resulting in minor injuries.

Why it matters

The exchange marks the latest flashpoint between Cuomo and Mamdani, as debates over public safety and policing continue to dominate city politics in New York. Cuomo's criticism of Mamdani's handling of the incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement advocates and those who argue for a more lenient approach to certain confrontations with police.

The details

According to reports, NYPD officers responding to a 911 call in Washington Square Park were pelted with snowballs, some allegedly containing ice, resulting in minor injuries. Mayor Mamdani previously characterized the incident as 'a snowball fight' and signaled that criminal charges would not move forward, drawing backlash from law enforcement advocates and some Republican officials who argued the situation amounted to assault on police officers.

  • The incident occurred in Washington Square Park in New York City.

The players

Andrew Cuomo

Former Governor of New York and independent candidate for New York City mayor who lost to Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani in the 2025 election.

Zohran Mamdani

Current Mayor of New York City, elected in 2025 as the Democratic candidate.

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, whose officers were reportedly injured in the snowball incident.

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What they’re saying

“A 27-year-old with prior arrests pelting police officers with ice and causing lacerations is not 'children having a snowball fight.' The only child here is you, @NYCMayor. Denounce this now. Stand with public safety. Stand with the NYPD.”

— Andrew Cuomo, Former Governor of New York (X)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement advocates and those who argue for a more lenient approach to certain confrontations with police, as debates over public safety and policing continue to dominate city politics in New York.