(New York, New York) – The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has dropped the assault-on-a-police-officer charge against a man accused of pelting NYPD officers with snowballs during a chaotic confrontation in Washington Square Park.
Gusmane Coulibaly, 27, was initially charged with assault on a police officer, obstruction of governmental administration and disorderly conduct following the snowstorm incident that left officers injured. But during his arraignment Thursday evening, prosecutors declined to pursue the felony assault charge.
The remaining counts were reduced to second-degree harassment, a violation, and obstruction of governmental administration, a misdemeanor, according to court records.
Officers Injured During Melee
The incident unfolded as officers responded to reports of disorderly conduct during a snowstorm. Police said they were surrounded by a large crowd and struck with snowballs — some allegedly packed with ice and debris.
One officer, identified in court as “PO Johnson,” suffered redness, tenderness and pain near his left eye. However, prosecutors told the court it was difficult to establish that the injury was directly caused by Coulibaly.
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Victoria Notaro cited evidentiary concerns in declining to move forward with the assault charge.
Johnson is currently on sick leave and recovering, according to Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry.
Police Union Pushes Back
Hendry sharply criticized the decision, arguing the confrontation was not a harmless snowball fight.
“This was an attack on the uniform,” Hendry told reporters, alleging that individuals packed snowballs with ice before throwing them at officers.
He questioned why prosecutors downgraded the charges despite what he described as clear injuries to officers.
Defense and Political Backdrop
Coulibaly did not address the court during his arraignment. His attorney argued that the case had been exaggerated and suggested that tensions between the NYPD and Mayor Zohran Mamdani influenced the narrative surrounding the incident.
The mayor previously described the altercation as “kids doing snowballs,” a characterization that has drawn criticism from law enforcement advocates.
Judge Michelle Weber granted Coulibaly supervised release. He is scheduled to return to court on April 9 in connection with the snowball case. He also faces a separate court appearance next month on unrelated charges.
Three additional suspects connected to the snowball incident remain at large.
The decision to drop the assault charge has intensified debate over public safety and prosecutorial discretion in New York City.
