“We do not accept any attacks on police officers,” New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on Friday, following reactions from Mayor Zoran Mamdani and District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who referred to individuals who threw ice-filled snowballs at officers as mere pranksters.
Tisch emphasized that anyone wearing the uniform and adhering to its standards deserves respect, sharing her thoughts at a promotion ceremony for officers.
She expressed her belief that most New Yorkers hold law enforcement in high regard and stressed the importance of not allowing loud disruptions to tarnish the pride of those who protect the city.
“You can count on me to uphold the highest standards for this department,” she insisted. “When these standards are met, I will always stand up for you. Recently, I made it clear that I will never support any attacks on police.”
A chaotic snowball fight erupted in Manhattan’s Washington Square Park on Monday, leading to several police officers being injured, with two needing hospital care due to being targeted with ice-filled projectiles.
Tisch referred to the incident as a “crime,” while the mayor characterized it as simply young people’s fun. Among those arrested was a 27-year-old individual who had previously faced accusations of attempted robbery in the subway system.
This man, Guzmán Coulibaly from the Bronx, was initially charged with assaulting a police officer, obstructing public administration, and disorderly conduct. However, Bragg’s office later chose not to go forward with the assault charges.
Charges against Coulibaly were subsequently reduced to harassment and obstruction of governmental administration, which are lesser violations. Police continue to seek out the other individuals involved in the incident.
