Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged New Yorkers to treat cops with “respect” — but stopped short of condemning a snowball attack on NYPD officers in Washington Square Park and even appeared to joke about it.
“I’ve seen the videos of kids throwing snowballs at NYPD officers in Washington Square Park,” he wrote on X Tuesday.
“Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving,” Mamdani wrote.
“Treat them with respect,” he said. “If anyone’s catching a snowball, it’s me.”
Hizzoner’s comment came hours after his police commissioner called the Monday incident “criminal” and said the department would be investigating.
Gov. Kathy Hochul even chimed in before City Hall, issuing a brief statement after footage of the snowball saga started going viral.
I’ve seen the videos of kids throwing snowballs at NYPD officers in Washington Square Park.
Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving.
Treat them with respect. If anyone’s catching a snowball, it’s me.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 24, 2026
“Our NYPD officers put themselves on the line to protect us every day. It is never acceptable to throw anything at a police officer, full stop,” she wrote.
The response from the mayor came with a much lighter touch than that of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who called the acts “disgraceful” and “criminal.”
“The NYPD is aware of certain videos taken earlier today in Washington Square Park showing individuals attacking cops,” she wrote on X Monday night.
“I want to be very clear: The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal. Our detectives are investigating this matter.”
