The New York City Police Department (NYPD) was hit by a snowstorm Monday night, with multiple officers being struck in the face by snowballs while responding to reports of disorderly crowds in Washington Square Park.According to police officials, officers were dispatched to the park just after 4 p.m. following complaints of a large gathering during blizzard conditions.
However, when police arrived, they were met by a crowd having a snowball fight, some of which escalated to deliberately throwing snowballs at uniformed officers.Video circulating on social media showed several officers apparently being hit as they tried to control the situation as snowballs flew towards them. Emergency medical services responded to the scene and transported multiple officers to nearby hospitals. Officials said the injured officer is in stable condition.Police Chief Jessica Tish condemned the incident, calling the behavior “disgraceful” and criminal.Tisch wrote onAuthorities confirmed that no arrests have been made so far, but investigations are ongoing to identify those involved.The police union also issued a strong statement condemning the incident. The Police Benevolent Association called the snowball-throwing behavior “unacceptable and outrageous” and urged authorities to arrest and charge those responsible for attacking police officers. The Detectives Endowment Association expressed similar concerns, saying the incident was “not harmless entertainment” but a deliberate attack on police officers.The incident sparked a swift political reaction, with former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo calling the incident “shameful” and linking it to broader concerns about respect for law enforcement.“Words have consequences. We are seeing a growing disrespect for law enforcement,” Cuomo said. He also criticized New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani and urged city leaders to publicly condemn the incident.Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis also weighed in, calling the attack “childish” and urging elected officials to stand firm in their support of police personnel.
Netizen reaction
The video sparked a strong response online, with many social media users expressing anger and disappointment over the incident. One user wrote, “New Yorkers train police with snowballs all day long, that city is like a jungle now.”Another user said, “New York police heroes who died protecting New York City are spinning in their graves. Their sacrifice deserves honor, not shame.” Others described the visual as “sad” and emblematic of the city’s declining respect for law enforcement.Despite the outrage, officials clarified that detectives were reviewing the footage and gathering evidence. Police sources said those involved may face charges if they are identified.The incident comes as New York City is recovering from severe winter weather that drew large crowds outdoors and turned what began as a holiday snow gathering into a confrontation that has now prompted a criminal investigation.
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