Following a recent snowstorm in New York City, some individuals used snowballs and snowballs as a guise for attacking police officers. New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Dee spoke on Friday (February 27) in a speech, staunchly defending the dignity of the police, stating, “I will not tolerate any attacks on my police officers, absolutely not.”
Dee made these remarks during a promotion ceremony at the police headquarters on Friday. After reiterating that this is currently the period with the lowest crime rate in New York City’s history, she commended the noble and arduous nature of the NYPD profession.
“Being a police officer is one of the most challenging and noble professions in the world. Your job is tough, dangerous, and demanding. It keeps you away from your family, exposes you to things most people will never see, and places you in situations most people couldn’t handle, requiring your judgment, self-control, and courage.”
Dee stated, “The excellence of the NYPD lies in the standards it sets and the officers who adhere to those standards. When you wear this uniform and abide by these standards, you deserve respect.”
She then expressed that the vast majority of New Yorkers respect the police, but recent events required her to speak out.
“One thing is certain, I will demand the highest standard from the department. When those standards are met, I will always do my utmost to protect you.” Dee said, “As you have seen recently, I will not tolerate any attacks on my officers, absolutely not.”
On Monday, the police received reports that a “snowball war” organized by social media took place at Washington Square Park in Manhattan, with hundreds participating. When the police arrived, they found teenagers dangerously hurling ice and snowballs at them from nearby rooftops.
At that time, Dee called the attack a “criminal act,” but Mayor Mamdani described it as a “childish snowball fight” between “kids.”
On Thursday, a 27-year-old “child” perpetrator was arrested, with prior arrest records. He was charged with assaulting an officer, obstructing official business, and disturbing the peace; later, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg retained charges of harassment and obstruction of official business, which are considered misdemeanors.
On Friday, Mayor Mamdani backtracked, stating that it was just a “snowball fight that got out of control.”
The statement made by Dee is seen as signaling the end of the “political honeymoon period” between her and Mayor Mamdani.