Hundreds of winter revelers flooded Washington Square Park Monday afternoon, launching snowballs in every direction in a scene that quickly escalated from playful to pandemonium. By shortly after 4 p.m., the NYPD was responding to 911 calls reporting a disorderly and increasingly aggressive crowd.
Officers arriving at the iconic Greenwich Village park encountered what witnesses described as “complete pandemonium.” Snowballs weren’t just flying between friends. They were being hurled at strangers, at passing cars — and at police officers.
Video from the scene shows a large mob pelting an NYPD vehicle as officers attempted to get inside and drive away. At least one officer was seen holding up a can of pepper spray, warning the crowd to back up as the situation intensified.
“The New York City blizzard snowball fight has happened. It was complete pandemonium,” one man who attended the gathering said. But even some participants admitted things went too far. “This ain’t safe. I got hit in the ear, and it’s been ringing for 20 minutes,” he added.
Police were heard over a megaphone urging the crowd to enjoy themselves — but to stop throwing snowballs at vehicles. Despite the frenzy, no injuries were officially reported, according to authorities.
Still, city officials made clear they are not brushing it off as harmless winter fun.
NYPD officers getting hit with snowballs in Washington Square Park this afternoon pic.twitter.com/uUekDVmIGT
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) February 23, 2026
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch issued a blunt statement on social media, calling the behavior “disgraceful” and “criminal.” An investigation is now underway to identify those responsible for targeting officers and vehicles.
The Police Benevolent Association, the city’s largest union representing rank-and-file officers, condemned the incident in even stronger terms. The union labeled the snowball barrage a “despicable attack” and demanded arrests.
“Unacceptable and outrageous — this is the environment that NYC police officers are up against,” the PBA said in a statement, calling for those involved to be identified, arrested, and charged with assault on a police officer.
Detectives’ Endowment Association President Scott Munro echoed that sentiment, rejecting the idea that the melee was innocent fun gone wrong.
“What we saw in Washington Square Park today was not harmless fun — it was a deliberate, outrageous, and dangerous attack on uniformed police officers,” Munro said, vowing that detectives would track down those responsible.
Washington Square Park has long been a magnet for spontaneous gatherings, protests, and viral social media moments. But Monday’s blizzard bash underscored how quickly a festive crowd can turn volatile.
As detectives review footage and social media posts, the message from city leaders is clear: snow day or not, targeting police officers and vehicles crosses a legal line.
And this time, officials say, there will be consequences.
