NYPD photos reveal bearded young men as the prime suspects in a brutal snowball assault on officers, directly debunking Mayor Mamdani’s claim that attackers were mere “kids” in a playful fight.
Story Snapshot
- February 23, 2026: Dozens pelt NYPD officers with snowballs at Washington Square Park, injuring several who required hospitalization.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani downplays assault as “kids at a snowball fight” during February 24 news conference.
- NYPD counters with suspect photos showing men with facial hair, estimated 18-20 years old, facing felony charges.
- Police unions demand arrests; no suspects in custody as investigation continues.
- Incident escalates tensions between city hall and law enforcement amid mayor’s anti-police history.
Assault Unfolds at Washington Square Park
NYPD officers arrived at Washington Square Park around 4:15 p.m. on February 23, 2026, following 911 calls about a disorderly crowd. The gathering stemmed from a pre-planned snowball fight organized by the online series Side Talk. Crowd members surrounded the uniformed officers and hurled snowballs with force. Multiple officers suffered facial injuries and received treatment at Northwell Greenwich Village Hospital. Video evidence captured dozens coordinating the attack, transforming recreation into felony assault.
Mayor’s Dismissive Response Sparks Backlash
Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the incident at a February 24 news conference. He described video footage as resembling “kids at a snowball fight,” minimizing the violence against officers. This statement ignored the injuries and coordinated nature of the assault. Mamdani’s history of labeling police as “racist, evil, wicked and corrupt” fueled criticism. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo warned that such rhetoric breeds disrespect for law enforcement, asserting “words have consequences.”
NYPD Releases Suspect Photos to Counter Narrative
NYPD responded swiftly on February 24 by publicizing photos of two primary suspects. Images depict young men, roughly 18 to 20 years old, with prominent facial hair, wearing distinctive clothing. Commissioner Jessica Tisch labeled the attack “disgraceful” and “criminal,” launching a detective investigation. These visuals directly challenged Mamdani’s “kids” portrayal, emphasizing adult perpetrators capable of felony assault on police. No arrests occurred by Tuesday afternoon.
Law Enforcement Unions Demand Accountability
Police unions issued fierce condemnations. Police Benevolent Association called the assault “unacceptable and outrageous,” insisting perpetrators face charges. Sergeants Benevolent Association President Vincent Vallelong claimed many suspects were believed to be NYU students, cautioning that snowballs today could become rocks or bottles tomorrow. Detectives’ Endowment Association demanded no leniency. Unions highlighted risks to officer morale and public safety when leadership downplays violence.
NYPD releases photos of snowball-wielding suspects with facial hair after Mamdani claims attackers were 'kids' https://t.co/1MSl85QATK
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 25, 2026
Unresolved Disputes and Broader Implications
NYU denied student involvement despite union assertions, with spokesperson Joseph Tirella stating no evidence linked the university. This factual dispute remains open. The incident strains police-city relations, raising concerns over future crowd violence and mayoral policies. Minimizing assaults erodes accountability, aligning poorly with common sense priorities of protecting officers and maintaining order. Investigation proceeds without arrests, underscoring urgency for swift justice.
Sources:
Several NYPD Officers Hospitalized After Getting Attacked With Snowballs
