The incident occurred at a pre-planned snowball in Manhattan's Washington Square Park
NEED TO KNOW
- A man was arrested after the New York City Police Department claimed he assaulted police officers with snow during a snowball fight in Washington Square Park
- Police identified the man as 27-year-old Gusmane Coulibaly
- The incident has drawn differing responses from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch
The New York City Police Department said it arrested a man accused of hitting officers with snow during a pre-planned snowball fight in Washington Square Park that has sparked growing controversy and debate.
Gusmane Coulibaly, 27, was arrested Thursday, Feb. 26, days after the snowball fight that took place on Monday, the NYPD said.
Police are also seeking three others in connection with the snowball fight.
The Associated Press reported that the snowball fight, which occurred in Washington Square Park in downtown Manhattan, was organized by social media content creators.
Police said the suspects struck two "police officers multiple times with snow and ice in the head, neck, and face causing injuries."
Following the incident, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted on X that he had seen videos of the snowball fight.
"Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving," he wrote. "Treat them with respect. If anyone’s catching a snowball, it’s me."
Mamdani was later asked if he thought the people involved should be prosecuted and seemingly downplayed the severity of the incident.
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“I’ve said time and time again that, having seen these videos, to me it was a snowball fight that got out of hand and it should be treated accordingly,” Mamdani said at an unrelated event on Wednesday.
On the other hand, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the incident "disgraceful" and "criminal," while police unions expressed similar sentiments.
Coulibaly has not yet been charged by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, but the NYPD says he was arrested earlier this month on attempted robbery charges.
The New York Times reported that Coulibaly pleaded not guilty to robbery, petty larceny and harassment in connection with the other incident.
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