4 Suspects Wanted For Pelting Cops With Snowballs At NYC Park: NYPD

NEW YORK CITY — The NYPD has released images of four individuals wanted for pelting snowballs at police officers at Washington Square Park on Monday.

The four unidentified men are being sought in connection with the Feb. 23 incident. Police released images of the suspects on Tuesday.

The NYPD have classified the incident as an assault on a member of service.

Officers had arrived at about 4 p.m. on Monday after a 911 caller reported a disorderly group gathering near the park’s fountain. A snowball fight, promoted online hours earlier, had drawn hundreds into the park. Laughter and shouts echoed across the plaza as snow arced through the air.

Video recorded by bystanders shows the mood shift when uniformed officers moved into the center of the crowd. Several people turned and hurled snowballs at close range. Two officers absorbed hard-packed throws to the face and chest. One officer lunged forward and shoved a man to the ground. Another officer chased a man several steps and flung him onto the snow-covered pavement.

More officers pushed into the plaza as the barrage continued. Snowballs struck their backs and shoulders as they retreated toward the park’s perimeter. One officer raised a Taser, holding it at the ready while backing away. At least one person was arrested during the confrontation.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the group's behavior "disgraceful, and it is criminal."

"Our detectives are investigating this matter,” she said in a social media post.

The Police Benevolent Association also called the incident "unacceptable."

On Tuesday, when pressed by reporters if the individuals involved should be charged, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said "It looks like a snowball fight.”

No arrests have been made, and an investigation remains ongoing.