NYPD Officers Hit with Snowballs, Arrest Made

Police unions criticize mayor's response to Washington Square Park incident

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Police have arrested a 27-year-old man and are searching for three others in connection with a snowball fight in Manhattan's Washington Square Park that turned violent, injuring two NYPD officers. The incident sparked a clash between the mayor and police unions over how to respond to the snowball-throwing.

Why it matters

The snowball fight highlights ongoing tensions between the NYPD and city leadership, with the mayor facing backlash from police unions for his response to the incident. It also raises questions about the appropriate way for authorities to handle large public gatherings that turn disorderly.

The details

During a widely filmed snowball fight in Washington Square Park on Monday, NYPD officers were hit with increasingly large snowballs and two were treated at a hospital for neck and face injuries. Police have charged 27-year-old Gusmane Coulibaly with assault and are searching for three other suspects between 18-20 years old.

  • The incident occurred during a blizzard on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • Coulibaly was arrested by police on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Gusmane Coulibaly

A 27-year-old man arrested and charged with assault for allegedly injuring NYPD officers with snowballs during the incident.

Jessica Tisch

NYPD Commissioner who called the snowball-throwing conduct "disgraceful" and "criminal".

Zohran Mamdani

Mayor of New York City who faced backlash from police unions for suggesting the snowball-throwers should not face criminal charges.

Patrick Hendry

President of the Police Benevolent Association, who criticized the mayor's response as a "complete failure of leadership".

Vincent Vallelong

President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, who warned that "Today it is snowballs. Tomorrow it could be rocks, bottles, or worse."

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What they’re saying

“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, President, Police Benevolent Association (BBC)

“Today it is snowballs. Tomorrow it could be rocks, bottles, or worse.”

— Vincent Vallelong, President, Sergeants Benevolent Association (BBC)

“If anyone's catching a snowball, it's me.”

— Zohran Mamdani (X)

What’s next

The judge in Coulibaly's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the NYPD and city leadership, with the mayor's response drawing sharp criticism from police unions. It raises questions about how authorities should handle large public gatherings that turn disorderly, and the appropriate balance between public safety and individual freedoms.