New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing intense backlash after minimizing an incident in which New York City police officers were injured by snowballs thrown during a disorderly gathering at Washington Square Park.

Several officers with the New York City Police Department were struck in the head with packed snow and ice while responding to a 911 call. According to police, multiple officers suffered facial lacerations and required hospital treatment. No arrests have been made so far.

Despite the injuries, Mamdani described the incident as looking like “kids at a snowball fight” and said he does not believe the suspects should face assault charges. His remarks drew swift condemnation from police unions and city leaders.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the behavior “disgraceful” and “criminal,” confirming that detectives are investigating. Police unions argued that deliberately targeting uniformed officers performing their duties clearly constitutes assault, regardless of the objects used.

The Sergeants Benevolent Association said many of the suspects are believed to be students at New York University, warning that dismissing the attack as harmless encourages further disorder. “Today it’s snowballs. Tomorrow it could be rocks or bottles,” SBA President Vincent Vallelong said.

Political pressure is also mounting. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo both urged Mamdani to strongly denounce the attack, arguing that rhetoric from city leadership shapes public attitudes toward law enforcement.

While the mayor later posted on social media urging New Yorkers to treat officers with “respect,” critics say the response fell short of condemning the violence or supporting criminal charges.

As the investigation continues, the incident has reignited debate in New York over public disorder, respect for law enforcement, and how city leaders should respond when officers are attacked while on duty.