Quick Read
- New York City police are investigating a snowball attack on officers in Washington Square Park on February 23, 2026.
- Several officers were struck in the face by snowballs and required hospital care.
- NYPD Chief Jessica Tisch and Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the incident as “shameful” and “criminal.”
- The attack occurred during a historic snowstorm that dumped 50 cm of snow in Central Park.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported no homeless deaths due to reinforced emergency measures during the storm.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – New York City police have launched an investigation into a snowball attack that targeted officers in Washington Square Park on Monday, February 23, 2026. The incident, which occurred amidst a historic snowstorm that blanketed the city, resulted in several officers sustaining injuries and has drawn strong condemnation from city and state officials.
Investigation Launched After Snowball Attack on NYPD Officers
The New York Police Department (NYPD) announced on Tuesday, February 24, that it had opened an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for pelting officers with snowballs. Video footage circulated online shows multiple uniformed officers being targeted by dozens of young individuals in Washington Square Park, located in Lower Manhattan, as they traversed the snow-covered area. The officers were responding to reports of a disruptive group in the park when the assault occurred.
According to an NYPD spokesperson who spoke to AFP, several officers were struck in the face by snowballs and subsequently transported by ambulance to a hospital for medical attention. NYPD Chief Jessica Tisch denounced the behavior on X (formerly Twitter), labeling it ‘shameful’ and ‘criminal.’ New York State Governor Kathy Hochul echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘It is never acceptable to throw anything at a police officer, period.’ The primary union representing NYPD officers has also called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
New York City Grapples with Historic Snowfall
The incident unfolded as New York City was reeling from one of its most significant winter storms in recent history. A powerful storm on Sunday and Monday dumped approximately 50 centimeters (nearly 20 inches) of snow in Central Park, making it the ninth-heaviest snowfall ever recorded at that benchmark location. The storm brought the city to a near standstill, with Manhattan streets rendered unusually quiet, even Times Square losing its typical vibrancy, as reported by Euronews.
Public transportation faced significant disruptions. Buses and ambulances, equipped with chains, continued to operate slowly for essential journeys, while the subway system experienced notable delays. Despite the challenging conditions, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that no homeless individuals had succumbed to the cold, attributing this positive outcome to reinforced emergency measures implemented across the city to protect vulnerable populations during the extreme weather event.
Officials Decry ‘Shameful’ Behavior Amidst Snowstorm Chaos
The widespread condemnation of the snowball attack highlights growing concerns over public safety and respect for law enforcement, even during natural disasters. The NYPD’s swift launch of an investigation underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident. While the city mobilized resources to manage the heavy snowfall and ensure resident safety, the confrontation in Washington Square Park presented an additional challenge to maintaining public order.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing video evidence and seeking public assistance to identify those involved in the assault. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in policing urban environments, particularly when compounded by severe weather conditions and large public gatherings.
The convergence of a historic snowstorm and an assault on police officers underscores the delicate balance between public recreation and civic responsibility, prompting officials to emphasize that emergency situations do not suspend legal obligations or respect for authority.