People throw snowballs at an NYPD vehicle in Central Park, as New Yorkers venture outside during a powerful winter storm that blanketed much of the U.S. Northeast, in New York, U.S., February 23, 2026, in this still image obtained from social media video. Maira Ahmad/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. VERIFICATION: - Location and date verified from original file metadata
(New York, NY) – A second arrest has been made in a controversial snowball fight that happened last month. The scene saw NYPD officers getting pelted with snow by a rowdy crowd at Washington Square Park. Eric Wilson Jr., 18 was arrested for misdemeanor obstructing government administration and harassment. Wilson turned himself in on Wednesday night.
The fight outraged those who back the blue while others were quick to dismiss it as a jovial example of “kids being kids”. That split was seen between Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Tisch called the scene a disgrace while Mamdani maintains all he saw from videos was an “innocent” snowball fight. Governor Kathy Hochul however says she believes criminal charges were valid.
Former Chief of NYPD John Chell spoke with former Governor Andrew Cuomo about the fight
An arrest was already made back in February; 27 year old Gusmane Coulibaly was booked for a slew of charges including assault. However, the assault charge against him was reduced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. His reduced charges include obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor, and harassment – all non-criminal violations.
