NFL reporter criticizes Mamdani's downplay of snowball attack on NYPD officers

NFL reporter Ed Werder reacted to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response to NYPD officers getting pelted with snowballs while responding to a call. NFL NFL reporter criticizes Mamdani's downplay of snowball attack on NYPD officers NYPD officers were pelted with snowballs in New York By Ryan Gaydos Fox News Published February 25, 2026 7:06am EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Mamdani dismisses attack on NYPD police as a 'snowball fight' New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani downplays an apparent snowball attack on NYPD officers, saying it looked like a 'snowball fight.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! NFL reporter Ed Werder ripped New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday following the politician’s remarks about snowballs being hurled at NYPD officers. NYPD officers were seen on video getting hit while walking through Washington Square Park, according to multiple videos on social media. Officers were responding to a call about a large, disorderly group in the park, an NYPD spokesperson said. Some officers were left with multiple facial lacerations.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks to reporters during a news conference in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Mamdani appeared to downplay the incident. "How anyone who wears a badge stands beside this mayor, much less risks their life for him, is beyond me," the former ESPN reporter wrote on X. Werder explained to critics that he always regarded law enforcement with high esteem."Doesn’t matter where you live. Treating the police with such disrespect is wrong," he added. Mamdani wrote on social media earlier Tuesday that he saw the videos of the officers getting pelted with snowballs. NFL reporter Ed Werder at Dallas Cowboys training camp at the River Ridge Fields on July 27, 2022. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) "Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving," Mamdani wrote on X. "Treat them with respect. If anyone’s catching a snowball, it’s me." No arrests have been made in the incident.The Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) told Fox News Digital that while "some people" may attempt to dismiss the incident as "college hijinks or harmless kids throwing snowballs," the deliberate targeting of uniformed police officers while they perform their lawful duties constitutes assault."We cannot condemn strongly enough the recent disgraceful and dangerous attacks on NYPD Police Officers while responding to a 911 call in Washington Square Park," SBA president Vincent Vallelong wrote in a statement. "The behavior of the people throwing the snowballs, many of whom are believed to be NYU students, was reckless and unlawful, and put the lives and safety of others at risk." Video CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPVallelong added those who tossed snow and ice at officers "cross[ed] a clear line."Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Related Article NYPD releases photos of snowball-wielding suspects with facial hair after Mamdani claims attackers were 'kids' Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital. Related Topics NFLZohran MamdaniSports Fox News First Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Arrives Weekdays By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!