U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has sparked new political reactions after inviting New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers to Texas. Earlier, a police officer was hit by a snowball while responding to a riot in Washington Square Park during a snowstorm.“This is disgusting,” Cruz wrote onHis comments came amid growing political backlash over the incident, which injured several police officers and triggered an ongoing criminal investigation.
Police officer injured during blizzard response
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon when police received reports of a large, disorderly gathering in a Manhattan park amid blizzard conditions. Video circulating online showed crowds throwing snowballs and several police officers being hit directly in the face and body as they tried to control the situation.Emergency medical services transported the injured officer to the hospital, where he is now in stable condition. No arrests have been made so far, but detectives are reviewing video to identify those responsible, authorities said.Police Chief Jessica Tish condemned the incident, calling it a criminal act.“The NYPD is aware of certain videos taken earlier today in Washington Square Park that show an individual assaulting a police officer,” Tisch said. “The conduct described is disgraceful and criminal. Our detectives are investigating the matter.”
Cuomo, Adams blame enemies
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has strongly criticized New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, accusing him of promoting a culture of disrespect for police.“It’s disgraceful. But for a mayor who has a history of calling police ‘racist, evil, evil and corrupt,’ he sets the tone,” Cuomo said on “The X.” “Words have consequences. We see that in the growing disrespect for law enforcement.”Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams also condemned the incident, calling the visuals disturbing.“Seeing police officers being snowed in while protecting the city from severe weather should make every New Yorker outraged. This is abhorrent behavior,” Adams said.“Politicians who continually bash the police and refuse to support them are setting a terrible example. Leadership matters. Tone matters.”Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis also called the incident “shameful” and urged city leaders to take firm action.
Police union calls for arrests
The police union called the incident unacceptable and called for immediate arrests. The Police Benevolent Association said the perpetrators must be “identified, arrested and charged with assaulting police officers”, while the Detectives’ Endowment Association called the snowball attack “deliberate, brazen and dangerous”.Officials said the situation escalated after a large snowball fight involving hundreds of people descended into chaos. Video shows officers being targeted multiple times, with one clip appearing to show a person dumping a large chunk of snow on an officer’s head.As of Tuesday, Mayor Mamdani had not publicly responded to the incident, although political leaders from across the spectrum have condemned the attack.The NYPD confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
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