New York City residents digging out from a major winter storm got an unexpected sight in Brooklyn: Mayor Zohran Mamdani reportedly stepped into the snow in the Bed Stuy neighborhood and helped shovel around a stuck vehicle as the city battled heavy snowfall.
The storm, which forecasters warned could dump as much as 18 inches across parts of the city, brought difficult travel conditions, widespread delays, and growing frustration from residents watching the city brace for dangerous conditions. With temperatures dropping sharply and a state of emergency declared, the mayor’s appearance quickly sparked debate online.
But for many families in NYC the bigger controversy was not the shovel. It is the snow day that won’t came.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani put the freeze on any hopes of an old fashioned snow day Sunday, announcing that kids would have to attend remote classes because of Winter Storm Fern.
“Over the past week, my administration has prepared for this moment, ensuring devices are in hand, families are informed and educators are ready to welcome students online,” Mamdani said. “Our school system, and our city, is prepared to weather this storm together.”
The move will have roughly 500,000 public school students across 1,100 school facilities clocking into class from home with iPads and laptops on Monday.
Supporters praised Mamdani for being visible and hands on during a stressful moment for New Yorkers, saying it showed leadership beyond City Hall press conferences. Critics, however, were not buying it. Many accused the mayor of staging a quick “two minute Snow To Op” to look relatable while the city struggles with snow removal, resources, and planning.
“This is what you call a political stunt,” wrote Anthony Russo, adding, “The cameras show up, he shovels for a minute, and then he disappears.”
Samantha Levine called it classic optics, saying, “It’s not leadership. It’s a photo op. If he wants to help, manage the city properly so he doesn’t have to dig the snow himself.”
Others took it further, claiming the mayor’s own mismanagement forced him into the street.
“He handled resources so badly that now he needs to shovel snow personally,” said Marcus Jefferson. “That’s not heroic. That’s embarrassing.”
And then came the remote school outrage, with parents and students saying Mamdani’s decision basically killed the magic of a real snow day.
“He’ll shovel for the cameras but he wouldn’t let the kids have a snow day,” wrote Danielle Feldman. “Even if it’s online, it’s still school. Let them enjoy one day.”
Kevin O’Hara added, “This guy really said no snow day in a blizzard. Total meanie behavior.”
Some parents said the decision felt like a political flex disguised as preparation.
“Every mayor before him would just call it,” wrote Brianna Collins. “Now snow days are dead. Kids are stuck on Zoom while he’s doing a photo op.”
Still, not all reactions were negative. Some residents pushed back, saying people complain no matter what politicians do and that keeping learning going matters for working families.
“At least he’s out there,” wrote Linda Garcia. “Most politicians would never touch a shovel.”
Another commenter, Jayden Miller, joked that the mayor might have found his true calling: “He did a better job digging snow than lifting weights.”
And some were simply focused on the shoveling itself.
“Shovel skills are solid,” said Rachel Patel. “Better than half my block.”
While the mayor’s office has not addressed the backlash directly, the viral moment has added another layer to an already tense storm response, with New Yorkers watching closely to see whether the city keeps up with plowing, emergency services, and clearing roads as temperatures drop further.
For now, Mamdani’s quick appearance in Bed Stuy has become the latest lightning rod in New York politics, dividing residents between those who see real effort and those who see a staged moment for the cameras, while thousands of kids stare out the window at the snow and realize the snow day era might be over.
How do you rate Mamdani’s shovel skills? And should remote school count as a real snow day? ❄️
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