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The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is seeking public assistance in identifying several individuals involved in an alleged snowball assault on police officers at Washington Square Park. This incident, which occurred in Lower Manhattan, prompted a response from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who described the attackers as “kids” and expressed his opinion that they should not face criminal charges.
According to the NYPD, two uniformed officers were dispatched to the park following reports of a large and unruly gathering. During their response, they were reportedly targeted by two men who intentionally hurled snow and ice at them, striking the officers in the head, neck, and face. This attack resulted in injuries that required medical attention.
Following the incident, the officers were transported by EMS to Northwell Greenwich Village Hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition. Meanwhile, the suspects fled the scene and remain unidentified.
The NYPD has classified this act as assault on a police officer, a serious felony offense in New York City. Authorities have released photos of the suspects in hopes of gathering information that could lead to their arrest.
The department has reiterated its commitment to apprehending those responsible and ensuring the safety of its officers during such volatile situations.
During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Mamdani claimed the incident “looked like kids at a snowball fight,” though a photo shared by police showed a man with facial hair holding a massive snow boulder.
NYPD officials later said the men were roughly 18 to 20 years old.
Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) president Vincent Vallelong told Fox News Digital “many” of the suspects are “believed to be NYU students.”
However, New York University spokesperson Joseph Tirella told Fox News Digital the university has found no indication anyone from NYU was involved.
“We have enormous appreciation for the NYPD officers who keep our community safe,” Tirella said. “Assaulting police officers is a serious offense.”
Police released a photo of an assault suspect holding a snow or ice ball, wearing a ski mask. (NYPD)
The first man was described as having a “light complexion” and was last seen wearing a black jacket, black ski mask and black sweatpants with white stripes, according to authorities.
The second man was described as having a “dark complexion” and was last seen wearing a green jacket, with blue sweatshirt underneath, and blue gloves with partial facial hair.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who also ran for New York City mayor last year, said Mamdani, “who has a history of calling the police ‘racist, evil, wicked and corrupt’” had “set the tone.”
“Words have consequences,” Cuomo wrote on social media. “We are seeing that in the growing disrespect for law enforcement — just as we’ve seen it in the rise in antisemitism. Real leaders understand that. This mayor does not. @NYCMayor must denounce this at once.”
Snow was hurled at NYPD officers during Monday’s blizzard in New York City. (@BGonthescene/X)
Vallelong added those who tossed snow and ice at officers “cross[ed] a clear line.”
“[Officers] are tasked with maintaining public safety in crowded public spaces, often while facing hostility simply for wearing the uniform,” Vallelong wrote. “When individuals choose to turn a park into a launching ground for attacks on police, they cross a clear line. Today it is snowballs. Tomorrow it could be rocks, bottles, or worse.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the attack as “disgraceful” and “criminal,” noting detectives are investigating.
No arrests have been made in connection with the snowball attacks, as of Tuesday afternoon, according to officials.
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