February 26, 2026 – Midtown Tribune

NEW YORK CITY — The New York Police Department announced Thursday that it has arrested 27-year-old Gusmane Coulibaly in connection with an incident earlier this week where uniformed officers were struck with snowballs — including large chunks of ice — while responding to a disturbance in Washington Square Park in Manhattan.

Coulibaly was taken into custody early Thursday morning after investigators identified him in video footage circulating online of the event. Police say he is charged with assault on a police officer, obstruction of government administration, and disorderly conduct in connection with the episode.

What Happened in the Park

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, following a major snowstorm that blanketed New York City and drew large crowds to public parks for informal snowball fights. According to NYPD accounts, officers entering Washington Square Park encountered a large crowd where some participants began throwing packed snow and ice at them. At least two officers were injured, suffering cuts and bruises to the face and neck that required hospital treatment.

Police describe the event as more than a playful snowball fight — saying some of the thrown objects were packed with ice and struck officers at close range. Authorities released images of four individuals allegedly involved and have been working to identify and locate them.

Previous Arrest Record

The NYPD noted that Coulibaly had been previously arrested less than three weeks ago on unrelated charges of attempted robbery inside the city’s transit system. Court records indicate he pleaded not guilty to those charges and was released without bail.

Response From Officials

The arrest has highlighted a growing divide in how city officials are publicizing and responding to the park incident:

NYPD leadership and police unions have praised the arrest, emphasizing that assaults on officers — even during public gatherings — constitute criminal behavior and should be treated seriously. The Police Benevolent Association released a statement calling the charged individual an adult, not a “kid,” and saying the arrest sends a message that attacks on police will not be tolerated.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, however, has downplayed the incident, characterizing initial footage of the event as a snowball fight that “got out of hand,” and suggested that criminal charges may not be appropriate in every case. He has reaffirmed respect for law enforcement but maintained that the situation began as a casual winter gathering.

Meanwhile, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and other law enforcement leaders have asserted the conduct captured in video was “criminal” and “disgraceful,” standing by the department’s efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.

Investigation Continues

Coulibaly’s arrest is the first in the ongoing investigation into the Washington Square Park conflict. Police continue to seek three other suspects believed to have participated in throwing objects at officers. Authorities are reviewing video footage and circulating images to locate and apprehend additional individuals.

At this time, it is not yet clear what specific court date Coulibaly will face for the new charges related to the assault allegations. Prosecutors in Manhattan’s District Attorney’s Office typically assess charges after police hand over their case file. Follow-up reporting may provide details on court proceedings as they unfold.

Official Quotes & Reactions

🚔 Police Leadership

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch:
“The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal.”
Tisch publicly labeled the actions against officers as unlawful and emphasized detectives were actively investigating the incident.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry:
“A 27-year-old with a recent attempted robbery arrest is not a ‘kid.’ This arrest sends a clear message that assaults on police officers cannot and will not be minimized or tolerated.”
Hendry pushed back against early characterizations of the event as harmless, stressing the seriousness of attacking officers.
From earlier reactions by union leaders (prior to arrest):
The PBA had called the attack “unacceptable and outrageous,” urging accountability for those who injured officers. The Detectives’ Endowment Association added it was “not harmless fun,” but a dangerous attack on uniformed officers.

🏛️ Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Regarding the incident before the arrest, Mayor Mamdani said:
“From the videos that I’ve seen, it looks like a snowball fight.”
He described the situation as having “gotten out of hand” rather than a criminal confrontation, and said it should be treated accordingly rather than automatically as a criminal assault.
The mayor also encouraged respectful treatment of city workers, including police, while continuing to downplay prosecution for participants.

Analysis of Charges & Potential Penalties

Because the NYPD’s announcement only stated that Coulibaly was arrested for “assaulting officers” without immediately specifying formal charges, this section explains what likely charges could be and what they mean under New York law:

1. Assault on a Police Officer

Category: This is commonly prosecuted as Assault in the Second or Third Degree, depending on severity.
**Assault **in the Second Degree (if serious physical injury is inflicted):
- Class D felony in New York.
- Potential penalties: Up to 2–7 years in prison plus possible fines.
**Assault in the Third Degree (if harm is less severe but still intentional):
- Class A misdemeanor.
- Potential penalties: Up to 1 year in jail and fines.
When victims are police officers performing official duties, courts often impose enhanced sentences within statutory ranges and prosecutors pursue serious charges. This is separate from political disagreement about how the event started.

(Note: Exact charges depend on prosecutor discretion based on evidence of harm and intent.)

2. Obstructing Government Administration

Throwing objects at responding officers can also lead to Obstructing Governmental Administration (misdemeanor) if it hindered their duties.
Penalties: Up to 30 days in jail and fines.

3. Disorderly Conduct & Related Counts

In large gatherings that turn chaotic, prosecutors often include disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment, or similar charges when behavior poses risks to public safety.

How Courts Treat Police Assault Cases

Attacks on officers — especially involving objects thrown at them (snowballs containing ice and debris can cause lacerations) — are rarely dismissed as simple mischief in New York.
The fact that two officers were hospitalized with facial injuries raises the likelihood that prosecutors will pursue serious felony counts rather than just misdemeanors.
Previous arrests and criminal history (like the earlier attempted robbery charge Coulibaly faced in February) can influence bail decisions and sentencing if convicted.

Sources: Midtown Tribune News