US Senator Ted Cruz sparked fresh political reactions after inviting New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers to Texas, following an incident where police personnel were hit with snowballs while responding to a disorderly crowd at Washington Square Park during a snowstorm.
“This is disgusting,” Cruz wrote on X. “I’m amazed that NYPD officers continue to go to work with a mayor who disrespects them so much. Come to Texas—we #BackTheBlue.”
His remarks came amid rising political backlash over the incident, which left several officers injured and triggered an ongoing criminal investigation.
Officers hit during snowstorm response
The incident took place on Monday afternoon when officers responded to reports of a large, disorderly gathering at the Manhattan park amid blizzard-like conditions. Videos circulating online showed crowds throwing snowballs, with several officers struck directly in the face and body while attempting to control the situation.
Emergency Medical Services transported injured officers to hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. Authorities said no arrests had been made so far, but detectives are reviewing footage to identify those responsible.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the incident, calling it criminal.
“The NYPD is aware of certain videos taken earlier today in Washington Square Park showing individuals attacking cops,” Tisch said. “The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal. Our detectives are investigating this matter.”
Cuomo, Adams blame Mamdani
Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo strongly criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of contributing to a climate of disrespect toward police.
“This is disgraceful. But with a mayor who has a history of calling the police ‘racist, evil, wicked and corrupt,’ he set the tone,” Cuomo said on X. “Words have consequences. We are seeing that in the growing disrespect for law enforcement.”
Former New York City mayor Eric Adams also condemned the incident, calling the visuals disturbing.
“Watching officers get pelted with snow while they are out in brutal weather protecting this city should make every New Yorker furious. It is disgusting behavior,” Adams said.
“And the politicians who constantly bash the police and refuse to have their backs are setting a terrible example. Leadership matters. Tone matters.”
Republican congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis also called the incident “disgraceful” and urged city leaders to take firm action.
Police unions demand arrests
Police unions described the incident as unacceptable and called for immediate arrests. The Police Benevolent Association said those responsible must be “identified, arrested and charged with assault on a police officer,” while the Detectives’ Endowment Association called the snowball attack a “deliberate, outrageous, and dangerous” act.
Officials said the situation escalated after a large snowball fight involving hundreds of people spiralled into chaos. Videos showed officers being repeatedly targeted, with one clip appearing to show a person dumping a large chunk of snow on an officer’s head.
Mayor Mamdani had not publicly responded to the incident as of Tuesday, even as political leaders across the spectrum condemned the attack.
The NYPD confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
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