A large snowball fight in Washington Square Park in Manhattan spiraled into disorder on Monday, February 23, 2026. Police say participants threw snowballs at each other, at passing vehicles, and at officers who responded to the scene. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the behavior “disgraceful” and “criminal,” and said detectives opened an investigation.
What police say happened in the park
The NYPD said officers responded to a 911 call about a disorderly group shortly after 4 p.m. When police arrived, they found a large crowd engaged in a snowball fight that had spread beyond the park area. Video shared online shows snowballs thrown toward uniformed officers and police vehicles, according to multiple local reports.
Officers used loudspeaker warnings and directed people to stop throwing snowballs at cars. In some footage, an officer holds up pepper spray, a chemical irritant used to create distance during a confrontation. Police did not announce arrests in the initial reports.
Snowballs hit officers and police vehicles
Several outlets reported that snowballs struck officers as they tried to manage the crowd. Some reports described injuries and treatment for officers, while early police accounts in other coverage said no injuries were reported. The NYPD has not released a public tally of injuries in the initial statements cited by media, and officials have focused on identifying those involved.
The incident drew strong language from police unions. The Police Benevolent Association, which represents many NYPD officers, urged the city to identify and arrest those who targeted police and to pursue charges. The Detectives’ Endowment Association also described the scene as dangerous and said detectives would work to identify suspects.
Why authorities are treating it as a criminal matter
Commissioner Tisch said the department is aware of videos from Washington Square Park and stressed that the conduct crossed a line. Her statement framed the incident as more than disorderly fun, as it involved throwing objects at officers and vehicles.
Under New York law, actions that intentionally strike or endanger others can trigger more serious charges than simple disorderly conduct, which generally covers disruptive public behavior. Investigators will typically look at intent, injuries, and the specific acts captured on video before recommending charges.
A snow day crowd and a fast escalation
New York City’s snowstorm set the backdrop for the gathering. Washington Square Park often becomes a focal point during major weather events, and social media can amplify large meetups within hours. However, police say the crowd’s actions created risks for pedestrians, drivers, and responding officers.
The NYPD investigation now centers on the people seen throwing snowballs toward officers and vehicles. City officials and police unions have called for accountability, while police continue to review videos and witness accounts from Monday’s chaotic scene.