New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned a violent snowball attack on officers in Washington Square Park on Friday, saying she “will not tolerate any attacks on my cops, period.”
This comes after Mayor Zohran Mamdani downplayed the incident as nothing more than a playful snowball fight. Tisch called the attack “criminal” and emphasised that officers who uphold department standards deserve respect and full protection, a sharp response that highlights rising tensions between city leadership and the NYPD.
Addressing officers at a promotion ceremony, Tisch said, “When you wear this uniform and uphold these standards, you deserve to be treated with respect.
The vast majority of New Yorkers appreciate your service; don’t let the loudest voices undermine your pride.”
She added that the department will be held to “the highest standards” and that officers will always have her protection when those standards are met.
The controversy erupted after a massive snowball fight in Washington Square Park on Monday left several officers injured, including two who required hospital treatment. Video clips showed participants deliberately hurling ice-filled snowballs at officers.
The NYPD arrested one suspect, Gusmane Coulibaly, 27, who had a prior arrest earlier this month for attempted subway robbery.
Coulibaly was charged with assault on an officer, obstruction of governmental administration, and disorderly conduct, though the District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office later downgraded the charges to harassment and obstruction.
What Mamdani said
Mayor Mamdani, meanwhile, had described the incident as “kids at a snowball fight” and said no charges should be filed, urging New Yorkers to treat city workers with respect. “If anyone’s catching a snowball, it’s me,” Mamdani joked in social media posts.
Police unions, including the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), criticized the mayor’s remarks, calling them a “disgraceful message” and warning that similar assaults in the future could escalate into more serious violence.
PBA President Patrick Hendry said, “This was not just a snowball fight. Adults threw chunks of ice and rocks, landing officers in the hospital.”
