Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg declined to pursue an assault charge against Gusmane Coulibaly after his arrest in a viral Washington Square Park snowball fight.
Coulibaly, 27, was initially charged with assault on a police officer, obstruction of governmental administration and disorderly conduct related to the incident.
Police say officers were pelted with snowballs and chunks of ice after responding to a social-media advertised gathering.
Bragg’s office removed the most serious assault charge at Thursday’s arraignment and downgraded remaining counts to harassment and a second-degree violation and misdemeanor, according to a New York Post criminal complaint.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters the episode was simply “kids” having a “snowball fight” and urged leniency for participants who were seen throwing ice at officers.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, rejected that description and called the incident “an attack on the uniform these police officers wear every day.”
Hendry said officers were surrounded and attacked by hundreds of people after responding to a rooftop disturbance.
The NYPD released images seeking information on four individuals in connection with the incident, including Coulibaly.
NYPD heroes who died protecting NYC are spinning in their graves.
They gave everything for this city—now it’s “snowball fights” at cops and zero respect.
From 9/11 fallen to officers lost in 2025, their sacrifice deserves honor, not humiliation.
It’s so sad. We’ve lost NYC. pic.twitter.com/Z2eoquMuCm
— 🇺🇸Steve2A🇺🇸God🇺🇸Family🇺🇸Country🇺🇸 (@lakemonstercl1) February 24, 2026
NYPD said suspects intentionally struck multiple uniformed officers with snow and ice in the head, neck and face, causing injuries.
Two officers were treated at a hospital for minor injuries, including facial lacerations, and were reported in stable condition.
Hendry asked why assault was not charged when officers clearly sustained injuries, including one officer with damage below his eye.
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Victoria Notaro told the court one officer identified as “PO Johnson” experienced redness, tenderness and pain near his left eye but said proving the injury came directly from the defendant was difficult.
The decision prompted criticism from law-and-order advocates and police officials who say it undermines accountability for attacks on officers.
Coulibaly did not speak at his arraignment and his private attorney, George Vomvolakis, accused the NYPD of singling out his client amid the mayor’s comments.
Vomvolakis also described the case as a “glorified summons” and leaned on the mayor’s characterization of a snowball fight.
Judge Michelle Weber said Coulibaly showed a “complete lack of judgment” and ordered supervised release.
Coulibaly is due back in court on April 9 on remaining snowball-related charges.
He also faces a separate court date on March 15 in connection with an alleged subway robbery earlier this year.
