Revelers attack food vendor and clash with cops in Washington Square Park

Revelers attack food vendor and clash with cops in Washington Square Park as peaceful Pride celebrations spiral into chaos in NYC’s new crime hotspot A food vendor was punched in the face several times late on Sunday night as the city’s Pride celebrations continued in Washington Square Park At least three people were also arrested earlier on Sunday afternoon NYPD officers were seen in riot gear using saying pepper spray on parkgoers It’s believed an altercation occurred after a barricade was shoved into a woman, which angered the crowd One cop responded with force shoving the metal barrier back into the woman which then caused those inside the park to erupt in anger Tensions were already high between the police and LGBTQ community after uniformed NYPD cops were banned from attending any official Pride events until at least 2025 Throughout June, with COVID restrictions lifted, Washington Square Park has been the site of rowdy all-night parties and even illegal boxing matches The park has been the site of