New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani dismissed a violent assault on police officers as harmless play, sparking outrage from law enforcement unions after multiple NYPD officers required hospital treatment for facial lacerations sustained during a snowball attack at Washington Square Park.

Officers Hospitalized After Washington Square Park Assault

Multiple NYPD officers responding to reports of a large, disorderly group at Washington Square Park were struck in the head with snowballs, resulting in several hospitalizations for facial injuries. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the behavior as “disgraceful” and “criminal,” announcing detectives had launched an investigation. Many suspects are believed to be New York University students who deliberately targeted uniformed officers performing their lawful duties.

At a news conference, Mamdani told reporters he reviewed video footage of the incident and characterized it as “kids at a snowball fight.” The mayor stated he opposes charging any suspects with assault on a police officer. No arrests have been made in connection with the attacks, according to officials. The mayor’s response drew sharp criticism from multiple police unions representing officers across the city.

Law Enforcement Unions Condemn Mayor’s Response

Sergeants Benevolent Association President Vincent Vallelong issued a forceful statement rejecting attempts to dismiss the incident as “college hijinks or harmless kids throwing snowballs.” Vallelong emphasized that deliberately targeting uniformed officers constitutes assault and warned that minimizing such behavior sets a dangerous precedent. “Today it is snowballs. Tomorrow it could be rocks, bottles, or worse,” he wrote, noting officers face hostility simply for wearing the uniform.

The Police Benevolent Association called the incident “unacceptable and outrageous,” demanding that individuals involved be identified, arrested, and charged with assault on a police officer. The Detectives’ Endowment Association President Scott Munro called on Mayor Mamdani and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to prosecute those responsible, declaring “no free pass” and “no get out of jail free card.” Union leaders questioned why city officials failed to condemn the attack.

Broader Implications for Public Safety

The incident highlights growing tensions between city leadership and law enforcement over accountability and public order. Police unions argue that dismissing attacks on officers emboldens further disorder and undermines respect for the rule of law. The unions emphasized that no worker should face objects thrown at them while performing their job, particularly those tasked with protecting public safety in crowded spaces. Officers pledged to continue serving all New Yorkers while demanding full support from city officials when brazenly attacked.