NYPD Seeks Suspects in Snowball Assault Incident Following High-Profile Shooting Data
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is actively searching for two men accused of throwing snow and ice at officers during a chaotic snowball fight in Washington Square Park. This appeal comes in the wake of recently released departmental data revealing that NYPD officers were involved in 47 police shootings throughout 2025, resulting in at least two fatalities among New York residents.
Details of the Snowball Assault in Washington Square Park
According to an official NYPD statement, the incident occurred on February 23, 2026, at approximately 4:20 PM. Two uniformed officers were inside the iconic park when they were intentionally struck multiple times with snow and ice, causing injuries to their heads, necks, and faces. The department has released images of the suspects, one of whom is shown holding a notably large snowball.
Video footage from the scene captures the moment officers were pelted with ice by a crowd of laughing youths. As snowballs continued to fly during the annual Sidetalk's snowball fight, the visibly frustrated officers shoved at least two individuals to the ground. In one particularly brazen act, a person ran up behind an officer, mushed snow onto his head, and sprinted away. The tension escalated further when an officer drew his taser, and another was seen rubbing his red eye toward the end of the video.
Police Response and Political Reactions
The NYPD reported that multiple uniformed officers were struck in the face with snowballs and were subsequently removed by EMS in stable condition to a nearby hospital. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the behavior as disgraceful, emphasizing that the department is thoroughly investigating the matter.
Several political figures in New York City were quick to denounce the incident. Critics of Mayor Zohran Mamdani seized on the event as evidence of declining respect for law enforcement under his administration. However, Mayor Mamdani responded via a post on X, stating, 'Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving. Treat them with respect. If anyone's catching a snowball, it's me.'
Union Outrage and Broader Context
Police unions expressed significant anger over the injuries sustained by officers. The Police Benevolent Association issued a strong statement, calling the attack 'unacceptable and outrageous' and demanding that the individuals involved be identified, arrested, and charged with assault on a police officer. They emphasized that this was not harmless fun but a deliberate and dangerous attack on uniformed officers.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of NYPD practices, particularly following the revelation of 47 police shootings in 2025. The contrast between the department's use of lethal force and its response to a non-lethal, albeit aggressive, snowball fight has sparked discussions about police priorities and public safety strategies in New York City.
