Police union demands action as mayor calls for respect toward officers
Washington Square Park Incident Tests Mayor’s Judgment
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani found himself at the center of a heated debate Tuesday after multiple NYPD officers were struck with snowballs during a coordinated gathering in Washington Square Park. The incident, which resulted in two officers requiring hospital treatment for head and facial injuries, has divided the city and raised serious questions about law enforcement accountability and public safety during emergency response operations. The mayor’s measured response contrasts sharply with angry reactions from police unions who view the incident as a criminal assault requiring prosecution.
The Incident Unfolds During Storm Response
Officers responded to a 911 call around 4:15 p.m. Monday as a large crowd gathered for what was described as a coordinated snowball fight. What began as winter recreation escalated when the crowd began throwing projectiles at the arriving police officers. Video evidence circulating online shows officers being repeatedly pelted with what police characterize as chunks of ice and rocks, not simple snowballs. Two officers sustained injuries serious enough to require hospital evaluation for head and facial trauma. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the behavior disgraceful and criminal, stating that detectives were actively investigating the incident.
Mamdani’s Controversial Position
Mayor Mamdani took a different approach during a Tuesday press conference. After reviewing video footage, he characterized the event as resembling a snowball fight rather than a criminal assault. He acknowledged that officers deserve respect and have been working tirelessly during the historic blizzard to keep the city functioning. However, he stated that he does not believe charges should be filed against participants. When asked directly about criminality, Mamdani emphasized that all city workers including officers deserve respect but maintained his position that the incident appeared to show kids engaged in winter play that escalated. His comment that he, not officers, should be the target of snowballs referenced his decision to reopen schools during the ongoing cleanup effort.
Police Union Pushes Back Forcefully
The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association responded with a scathing statement characterizing Mamdani’s response as a complete failure of leadership. PBA President Patrick Hendry stated that dismissing the incident sends a disgraceful message to every police officer in the city and a dangerous message to anyone considering attacking law enforcement. Hendry emphasized that officers sustained serious injuries from adults throwing chunks of ice and rocks, not playful snowballs. The Detectives Endowment Association joined the criticism, with Scott Munro calling for prosecution and emphasizing that detectives would identify and apprehend those responsible. Governor Kathy Hochul weighed in stating that officers put themselves on the line every day and violence against them is never acceptable.
Broader Context of Storm Operations
The incident occurred amid the city’s response to a historic blizzard that dumped nearly 30 inches of snow in parts of Staten Island and tested city services across all five boroughs. Officers and city workers have been deployed extensively to manage the emergency, clear streets, and maintain essential services. The mayor highlighted their contributions to the crisis response while also defending his school reopening decision by suggesting parents’ frustration should target him rather than officers. This juxtaposition highlighted the tension between appreciating workers’ efforts and defending unpopular policy decisions. Learn more about NYPD operations, review emergency management procedures, and understand Mamdani administration priorities. For additional perspective on police union positions, readers can explore official statements and concerns. The mayor’s handling of this incident will likely influence public perception of his leadership as he navigates other challenging decisions early in his administration.
