Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on New Yorkers to show “respect” towards police officers. However, he stopped short of criticizing a recent incident where NYPD officers were targeted by a snowball attack in Washington Square Park, even seemingly making light of the situation.
On Tuesday, Mamdani took to X to address the matter. “I’ve seen the clips of young people throwing snowballs at NYPD officers in Washington Square Park,” he remarked.
He went on to acknowledge the hard work of officers during the severe snowstorm, stating, “Officers, like all city workers, have been out in this historic blizzard, ensuring the safety of New Yorkers and maintaining traffic flow.”
Mamdani urged, “Treat them with respect. If anyone should be catching a snowball, it’s me.”
His comments were made shortly after the police commissioner declared the snowball incident a “criminal” act and announced an investigation into the matter.
Gov. Kathy Hochul even chimed in before City Hall, issuing a brief statement after footage of the snowball saga started going viral.
“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.”
