Multiple New York Police Department officers sustained injuries after being struck by snowballs in Washington Square Park on Monday, prompting a response from both Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The incident occurred after officers responded to a 911 call reporting a disorderly crowd gathered for a snowball fight as blizzard conditions began to subside, according to a police statement. Video footage circulating online shows officers being pelted with snowballs even as a crowd booed and jeered. At least two officers were shown pushing individuals to the ground in response.
“Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving,” Mayor Mamdani posted on X, urging the public to “treat them with respect.” He later added, seemingly referencing a playful offer he made to schoolchildren earlier in the day regarding returning to class, “If anyone’s catching a snowball, it’s me.”
Police Commissioner Tisch characterized the behavior as “disgraceful” and “criminal” in a statement posted on social media, adding that detectives were investigating the incident. A police statement released Tuesday confirmed that “multiple uniformed officers were struck in the head at close range with snowballs causing injuries to the head, neck, and face area.” Paramedics transported the injured officers to Northwell Greenwich Village hospital for medical treatment.
The Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the union representing NYPD officers, condemned the actions of those throwing snowballs as “unacceptable and outrageous” and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible on charges of assault.
The incident unfolded as the Northeast United States was grappling with a severe blizzard, with some areas receiving over two feet of snow. The storm disrupted travel and caused widespread power outages. Massachusetts experienced over 250,000 power outages as of Tuesday morning, and Governor Maura Healey lifted a blizzard-related state of emergency for several counties while it remained in effect for others. The Boston Globe announced it would not publish a print edition on Tuesday due to the hazardous conditions preventing staff from reaching the printing press.
New York City students returned to school on Tuesday after a snow day, and Mayor Mamdani preemptively offered to be the target of snowballs from students. Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, stated that teachers unable to commute due to the storm would not face disciplinary action.
Some parents expressed frustration with the decision to resume classes, citing ongoing hazardous conditions. Danielle Obloj, a parent in Brooklyn, told the Associated Press, “We’re walking on thin ice here…One more day would’ve been fine.”
