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NYPD Investigates Snowball Attack on Officers in Park

Published 24 February 2026

New York City police officers were pelted with snowballs by a crowd in Washington Square Park on Monday afternoon, prompting an investigation by the New York Police Department into what officials described as criminal behavior.

The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m., when officers responded to a 911 call about a large disorderly group in the Manhattan park. The gathering had evolved from a pre-planned massive snowball fight, organized online in the wake of a blizzard that dumped nearly 20 inches of snow on the city from Sunday into Monday. As police arrived to disperse the crowd, participants turned their attention to the officers, throwing snowballs that struck several in the face, according to NYPD statements.

Videos circulating widely on social media captured the chaos, showing officers shoving individuals to the ground and, in one case, chasing and tackling a man. Backup officers also faced incoming snowballs, with one seen brandishing a Taser as the group retreated. At least one arrest was made amid the disorder. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the videos in a late-night social media post, stating, "The NYPD is aware of certain videos taken earlier today in...

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