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The New York City Police Department has arrested 27‑year‑old Gusmane Coulibaly in connection with a violent incident earlier this week in Washington Square Park where uniformed officers were struck with snow and ice.
According to NYPD officials, Coulibaly was taken into custody Thursday morning and charged with assault after he allegedly threw large amounts of snow and ice at police officers who were responding to a large crowd gathered in the park. The incident followed a heavy winter storm that covered the city and drew a sizable group of people to the park, which quickly got out of control.
Video and eyewitness accounts show officers attempting to break up the crowd when snowballs and chunks of hard‑packed snow were hurled at them at close range. At least two officers were injured and taken to a hospital for treatment.
Law enforcement sources also noted that Coulibaly had been arrested less than three weeks earlier for an attempted robbery in the city’s transit system, raising concerns about repeat involvement in criminal activity.
The arrest marks the first major breakthrough in the investigation into the Washington Square Park confrontation. Police say they are continuing to review video footage and interview witnesses, and authorities believe there may be additional people involved in the attack.
The incident sparked debate citywide after comments from local officials initially downplayed the violence as a “snowball fight.” NYPD leaders and police unions pushed back, stating that the behavior clearly crossed the line into criminal conduct and that officers deserved accountability and support.
As the investigation continues, the department has reiterated that anyone who attacks law enforcement will be pursued and arrested. Coulibaly’s arrest demonstrates that the NYPD is taking the incident seriously and is working to hold those responsible accountable.
