February 25, 2026 NEW YORK, NY What was supposed to be a "massive snowball fight" organized on social media turned into a scene of urban chaos on Monday afternoon. Washington Square Park, the historic heart of Greenwich Village, became the backdrop for what Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch is officially branding a "disgraceful and criminal" assault on New York’s Finest.

From Social Media Trend to Tactical Retreat

At approximately 4:00 p.m. on February 23, the NYPD responded to a 911 call regarding a "disorderly group." They walked into a powder keg. Hours earlier, an open invitation for a snowball fight had circulated online, drawing hundreds to the park.

But as the flakes flew, the target shifted from fellow revelers to the blue uniforms.

Viral videos now flooding social media capture the exact moment the "fun" turned into a felony. In the footage:

• Direct Hits: Two officers are seen taking heavy, ice-packed snowballs directly to the face.

• The Retaliation: Fuming and blinded by the slush, officers are seen shoving individuals to the ground and engaging in a foot pursuit that ended with a man being tackled into the snow.

• Escalation: As backup arrived, the crowd didn't disperse—they doubled down. The peltings became so "relentless" that one officer was forced to brandish a taser to hold back the mob as the unit made a tactical retreat.

"Not Harmless Fun": The Commissioner and Unions Strike Back

Commissioner Jessica Tisch didn't mince words in a late-night address, confirming that detectives are now using those same viral videos to hunt down the "a-holes" (as former Comptroller Scott Stringer called them) responsible.

"The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal," Tisch stated. "Our detectives are investigating this matter."

The police unions are taking it a step further. The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) confirmed that several officers are currently being treated for injuries sustained during the "playful" event. They are demanding that every person caught on camera be charged with Assault on a Police Officer.

A City Divided: Juvenile Prank or Dangerous Precedent?

The political fallout has been swift and bipartisan. While Representative Nicole Malliotakis called for the city to "Back the Blue" and hold the "juvenile" attackers accountable, the Detectives’ Endowment Association (DEA) is putting the pressure directly on Mayor Mamdani and DA Alvin Bragg.

The DEA's message was clear: "No free pass. No get out of jail free card."

As of Tuesday morning, at least one arrest has been made, but the NYPD warns that more are coming. The message from One Police Plaza is loud and clear: If you throw it at a cop, be prepared to catch a felony charge.