NYPD arrests man accused of hitting officers during snowball fight
by Danielle Haynes · UPIFeb. 26 (UPI) -- The New York Police Department on Thursday announced the arrest of a 27-year-old man accused of striking officers with snow and ice during a snowball fight in Washington Square Park earlier this week.
Gusmane Coulibaly was arrested for allegedly assaulting the officers, though the NYPD didn't reveal specific charges in its announcement on X. The department said Coulibaly had been arrested less than a month ago on allegations of attempted robbery in the transit system.
The NYPD said the alleged assault took place Monday afternoon after a severe winter storm blanketed the New York City region with enough snow to cancel schools and disrupt transportation.
"Two uniformed police officers were inside Washington Square Park when two individuals intentionally strike the officers multiple times with snow and ice causing injury to their head, neck and face," the NYPD said in an X post Tuesday requesting information about those involved.
The post included photos of the suspects holding chunks of snow. The New York Times reported that police were looking for three other men estimated to be between 18 and 20 years old.
Some law enforcement officials took issue with Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response to the snowball fight, saying he downplayed it. The newly elected mayor posted about the incident on X.
"I've seen the videos of kids throwing snowballs at NYPD officers in Washington Square Park," Mamdani wrote.
"Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving. Treat them with respect. If anyone's catching a snowball, it's me."
The Police Benevolent Association, the largest union representing NYPD officers, said Coulibaly, at 27, and with a a previous arrest for attempted robbery "is not a 'kid.'"
"This arrest sends a clear message that assaults on police officers cannot and will not be minimized or tolerated," the PBA said in a statement. "We thank all of the NYPD members who have worked so hard on this case, and all of the New Yorkers who have spoken up in support of our police officers.
"There is more work to be done to hold accountable all who participated in this shameful attack."
WNYW-TV in New York City reported that people gathered for the snowball fight in Washington Square Park on Monday in response to a social media post calling for one. Police responded to the scene to break up the gathering but were outnumbered by people allegedly throwing snow and chunks of ice at them.
The NYPD said multiple officers received care at a nearby hospital for injuries sustained in the incident, and all were stable.
PBA President Pat Henry called it "an attack on our police officers."
"One was smashed over the head with ice. Another one was hit in the eye, in the back. This needs to be taken seriously, and we need our [district attorney] to prosecute this case once they are captured and once they are arrested."
Winter storm pounds New York City with heavy snowfall
A pedestrian stops to photograph the snow covered tress on the streets along Park Avenue as a major winter snow storm continues in New York City on February 23, 2026. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo