‘Disgraceful and criminal:' Mob snowball attack against NYPD in Washington Square Park sparks outrage
Gov. Kathy Hochul called the incident unacceptable in a statement on X.
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Officers were left hospitalized after a large crowd threw snow at them Monday in Washington Square Park, according to officials.
Authorities say they initially received a call reporting a disorderly group in the area around 4 p.m.
When responding officers arrived, they began throwing snowballs. Some were hit in the face and injured.
Patrick Hendry, the president of the Police Benevolent Association says he spoke the officers are on the mend but and they described being hit with ice chunks.
The incident sparked outrage from both law enforcement and politicians.
"These individuals who did this need to be court identified, then arrested and then prosecuted by our district attorney," he said.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted a statement on X, telling the public to respect officers as they work to keep the city safe.
In a press conference he said, "I've seen the videos of this snowball fight. I think that it was a snowball fight."
The mayor added, "they and our entire city workforce deserve to be treated with respect. The only person in our city's workforce who deserves to be treated with a snowball is me."
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and other police officials condemned the act, even calling it criminal.
Gov. Kathy Hochul called the incident unacceptable in a statement on X.
The Police Benevolent Association called for the arrest of those involved.
Unhappy with the mayors response, saying in a statement:
"The mayor’s response is a complete failure of leadership. 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. 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.”
Bronx Councilman Oswald Feliz reacted on X, saying that police officers deserve respect from the public.
Former NYPD Chief John Chell chimed in a post on X. He called for police to show up to Washington Square Park and other parks in full force.
Bronx Borough President Venessa Gibson spoke out against the act on social media and wished the injured officers well.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis called the incident disgraceful and called for accountability.
Tisch says the incident remains under investigation.
