Snowball attack: 2 NYPD officers recovering at home

Two NYPD officers were recovering at home Tuesday after they were injured during a snowball fight that turned and targeted the officers, officials said.

A law enforcement source said the officers were struck in the head and face by snowballs and ice and had to be treated at a city hospital before they were released.

Both officers, who were not identified, were among police that responded to 911 reports of an unruly group in Washington Square Park in Manhattan late in the day Monday. The group was taking part in a snowball fight that had been advertised on social media and whose participants then targeted the responding officers , officials said.

In a statement, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he had viewed videos of the attack.

"Officers, like all city employees, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving," Mamdani said. "Treat them with respect, if anyone's catching a snowball it's me."

The attack on the officers drew an angry response from NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who called on the Manhattan district attorney to prosecute the assailants.

"I want to be very clear; the behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal," said Tish. "Our detectives are investigating this matter."

Police Benevolent Association president Patrick Hendry said the incident was another example of the way officers are being targeted by physical attacks.

"This in the environment that NYC police officers are up against," Hendry said in a statement.

Scott Munro, head of the Detectives' Endowment Association, told Newsday the attackers have to be sought out for prosecution.

"It is broken windows again if this is allowed to happen," said Munro, referring to the law-enforcement theory that minor events and incidents — such as broken windows — can lead to increased disorder and mayhem.

NYPD Chief of Department Michael LiPetri has said many of the felony assaults in 2025 involved attacks on law enforcement in the city.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.