New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is once again facing criticism after characterizing an incident in which multiple New York City Police Department officers were struck with snow and ice as a snowball fight that “got out of hand.”
As Fox News reported, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mamdani was asked about the viral videos showing officers being pelted while responding to a call inside Washington Square Park.
Before addressing the incident, the mayor credited the NYPD for its role in responding to the recent blizzard.
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Turning to the confrontation, Mamdani said the footage circulating online showed a snowball fight that “got out of hand.”
He added that police officers and other city workers “deserve respect,” but did not further condemn those involved.
This marked the second consecutive day Mamdani minimized the event. On Tuesday, he said the videos appeared to show “kids having a snowball fight.”
The mayor has also opposed the idea that the suspects should face assault charges.
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He reiterated that position Wednesday, stating, “I’ve said that what I saw was a snowball fight. It should be treated accordingly. It was one that got out of hand. But that’s what it was.”
BREAKING : Mayor Mamdani just doubled down and says he wants ZERO charges against the mob that pelted police with objects — calls it a “snowball fight.”
This is who’s running things now. Straight-up protecting violent thugs while they attack cops. Sickening.
— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) February 25, 2026
The NYPD has taken a different stance. The department released photos of suspects and said they were “wanted for assault on a police officer.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the incident in a statement posted on X, writing, “the behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal.” Tisch said detectives are investigating the matter.
According to the NYPD, the incident occurred on Monday afternoon when officers responded to reports of a disorderly crowd inside Washington Square Park. Officers were struck “multiple times with snow and ice,” sustaining injuries to their head, neck, and face. Officials confirmed no arrests have been made.
Police union leaders sharply criticized Mamdani’s response.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, called the mayor’s reaction a “complete failure of leadership.”
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“It was snowball fight.”
Are you KIDDING ME?! This Ugandan Communist is a TRAITOR! Resign now! pic.twitter.com/8K5X3foUvn
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 24, 2026
“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,” Hendry said in a statement.
“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.”
The Sergeants’ Benevolent Association also issued a statement. SBA President Vincent Vallelong wrote that while “some people” may attempt to dismiss the incident as “college hijinks or harmless kids throwing snowballs,” the conduct constituted assault.
“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,” Vallelong said.
“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.”
Vallelong added that those who threw snow and ice at officers “cross[ed] a clear line.”
Mamdani’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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