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NYPD arrests suspect in park attack on officers that Mamdani dismissed as 'snowball fight'
By Bradford Betz
Published February 26, 2026
The New York Police Department on Thursday arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the alleged assault of officers earlier this week in Manhattan's Washington Square Park.
Gusmane Coulibaly, 27, was taken into custody Thursday morning, according to police.
Authorities said the charges stem from a Monday incident in which officers responding to reports of a disorderly group in the park were hit repeatedly with packed snow and ice. Police said the officers suffered injuries to the head, neck and face.
MAMDANI AGAIN DOWNPLAYS NYPD AMBUSH AS SNOWBALL FIGHT ‘THAT GOT OUT OF HAND’
L-R: Suspect Gusmane Coulibaly; NYPD officers. (Credit: X/@@NYPDnews/@BGOnTheScene)
The arrest comes after several days of debate over how the episode should be characterized. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said video circulating online appeared to show a snowball fight that "got out of hand," and he questioned whether those involved should face assault charges.
Snow was hurled at NYPD officers during a blizzard in New York City. (@BGonthescene/X)
Police officials have taken a different view. The department previously circulated images of individuals they described as wanted in connection with an assault on a police officer.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the conduct captured on video was criminal and confirmed that detectives were investigating.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks to reporters during a news conference in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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Leaders of the city’s police unions have also rebuked the mayor’s comments, arguing that throwing ice and compacted snow at responding officers constitutes an attack.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/nypd-arrests-suspect-park-attack-officers-mamdani-dismissed-snowball-fight