NYPD Officers Struck by Snowballs During Washington Square Park Gathering

Multiple NYPD officers were struck by snowballs Monday afternoon while responding to reports of a large, disorderly gathering in Washington Square Park, according to police officials.

The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. when officers responded to a 911 call regarding a disturbance at the Manhattan park. Upon arrival, they encountered a crowd that had assembled for an organized snowball fight following the region’s recent blizzard, which deposited more than two feet of snow across the city.

Video footage circulating on social media shows officers being pelted with snowballs from multiple directions. Some officers can be seen attempting to retreat from the area while continuing to be struck. Additional units were dispatched to the scene to assist the initial responders.

Emergency Medical Services treated multiple officers at the scene for injuries. They were subsequently transported to area hospitals and listed in stable condition, according to NYPD spokespersons. At least one arrest was made during the incident.

Official Responses

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the incident in a social media post Monday evening.

“The NYPD is aware of certain videos taken earlier today in Washington Square Park showing individuals attacking cops,” Tisch wrote. “I want to be very clear: The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal. Our detectives are investigating this matter.”

The Police Benevolent Association issued a statement calling the incident “unacceptable and outrageous” and urging that those involved “be identified, arrested and charged with assault on a police officer.”

The Detectives’ Endowment Association confirmed that the NYPD’s detective bureau has opened an investigation. “Make no mistake: detectives will do what they always do,” said DEA President Scott Munro. “They will identify those involved, and they will apprehend them.”

Political Reactions

Several elected officials have commented on the incident. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-Brooklyn/Staten Island) posted on social media that the event was “disgraceful” and called on city leaders to “hold those who disrespect them accountable.”

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo linked the incident to broader concerns about respect for law enforcement, stating that “words have consequences” and urging Mayor Zohran Mamdani to denounce the incident.

Former NYPD Chief of Department John Chell praised the officers’ restraint and suggested increased police presence in city parks in the coming days.

As of Monday evening, Mayor Mamdani had not issued a public statement regarding the Washington Square Park incident.

Park Context

Washington Square Park, located in Greenwich Village, has historically been a gathering place for various events and demonstrations. The park is managed by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, with law enforcement jurisdiction shared with the NYPD.

The incident occurred amid recovery efforts from the region’s most significant snowstorm in approximately ten years, which resulted in widespread school closures, transportation disruptions, and power outages across the Northeast.

Investigation Status

The NYPD’s detective bureau is reviewing multiple video recordings of the incident posted to social media platforms. Investigators are working to identify individuals who may have thrown snowballs at officers, according to department spokespersons. Additional arrests are possible as the investigation continues.

The department has not released the names of officers injured in the incident. Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.