Mayor Mamdani criticized after rowdy crowd stages ‘offensive’ snowball assault on NYPD officers: ‘He created the atmosphere’

Mayor Under Fire After Snowball Attack on NYPD

Mayor Zoran Mamdani is facing criticism for allegedly encouraging anti-police sentiment following an unruly mob’s snowball assault on NYPD officers during Monday’s snowstorm.

A massive snowball fight erupted in Washington Square Park in Manhattan that afternoon, with video evidence showing participants throwing large snowballs at police and creating disorder.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo and former Mayor Eric Adams quickly condemned Mamdani, attributing the chaotic scenes to his history of negative remarks about law enforcement.

“This is shameful. The tone has been set by a mayor who has labeled police as ‘racist, evil, and corrupt,'” Cuomo noted on X. He urged Mamdani to denounce the attack.

“Words have consequences,” he continued. “Just as we’ve seen an increase in anti-Semitism, we’re noticing growing disrespect for law enforcement. Genuine leaders grasp this. This mayor does not.” Adams echoed this sentiment, implying that Mamdani and others are setting a poor example.

Adams expressed outrage, stating, “All New Yorkers should be appalled to see police officers braving the elements to protect our city while being pelted with snow. This is an abhorrent act.” He added that politicians who criticize the police and refuse to collaborate with them are establishing a troubling precedent.

Following the incident, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that police are looking into the peculiar behavior, while the police union has called for arrests.

“This is unacceptable and outrageous behavior,” stated the Police Benevolent Association in a statement. “Those involved must be identified, arrested, and charged with assaulting a police officer. It’s crucial that all our city leaders denounce this despicable attack.”

Scott Munro, chairman of the Detectives Endowment Association, also voiced concerns about the disruptive actions, asserting, “What occurred today in Washington Square Park was not innocent fun; it was a calculated, outrageous, and dangerous assault on a uniformed police officer.”