On Tuesday, the New York Police Department expressed their outrage by releasing images of two individuals wanted for assaulting on-duty officers with snow and ice during an incident involving a large group throwing snowballs in Washington Square Park.
The department has indicated plans to share images of additional suspects in connection with the violent events that unfolded in the park, as officials strive to identify those involved.
In one of the photos, one suspect is shown wielding a hefty snowball above his head, resembling the size of a rock.
Another individual alleged to have assaulted police is captured while packing a small amount of snow, facing a uniformed officer.
Chaos broke out around 4 p.m. when a crowd of rowdy snow enthusiasts descended upon the park, just hours after a severe snowstorm had blanketed the area with nearly two feet of snow.
The situation escalated when a bystander alerted 911 about a rambunctious group of teenagers throwing snow from a building roof in the park.
Two officers, assigned to Washington Square Park, were the first to respond but quickly found themselves being bombarded with snow by individuals in the crowd.
As the situation intensified, police called for additional backup and placed several officers inside a van. The initial officers continued to be targeted with snowballs.
Reports indicate that one officer may have sustained a bruise near his eye, while another experienced a headache from being hit in the back of the head. Fortunately, both officers received treatment at a hospital but were not admitted.
Footage of the snowy mayhem went viral, resulting in significant backlash from the police union and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who labeled the incident as “disgraceful” and “criminal.”
In contrast, Mayor Zoran Mamdani took a lighter stance, referring to the assailants as merely “kids,” even making light of the situation.
“I came across a video of kids tossing snowballs at NYPD officers in Washington Square Park,” he remarked on social media.
He also praised the officers, stating, “Like all city employees, our police officers have been working hard during this extraordinary snowstorm to ensure the safety of New Yorkers and keep traffic moving. Show them respect. If anyone catches snowballs, it’s me.”
It’s reported that one suspect is estimated to be between 18 and 20 years old, while the age of the other individual remains unknown.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding the suspects involved in the snowball incident to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish speakers, at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Additionally, tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website.
