Man arrested for allegedly assaulting NYPD officers during a snowball fight

WASHINGTON (TNND) — The New York City Police Department arrested an individual on Thursday who allegedly assaulted officers during a snowball fight earlier this week.

Gusmane Coulibaly, 27, was taken into custody on Thursday morning. The police said he was arrested less than three weeks ago for robbery, according to The Hill newspaper.

A video went viral on Monday of NYPD officers being pelted with snowballs while people booed.

This prompted New York politicians to denounce what happened and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to call on current New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to make a statement on it.

Mamdani did make a statement, calling on New Yorkers to respect the officers.

“I’ve seen the videos of kids throwing snowballs at NYPD officers in Washington Square Park,” he wrote on X.

“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 put out a statement saying that Mamdani was dismissing the incident.

“By ignoring their injuries and dismissing the incident, the mayor has sent a disgraceful message to every police officer who serves this city, and a dangerous message to every person who might be looking to attack a police officer in the future,” Patrick Hendry, the union president said in a statement.