Manhattan DA Drops Assault Charges Against Man in NYPD Snowball Attack

Prosecutors cited evidentiary concerns in declining to pursue felony assault charge against Gusmane Coulibaly

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has dropped the assault-on-a-police-officer charge against a 27-year-old man accused of pelting NYPD officers with snowballs during a chaotic confrontation in Washington Square Park. Prosecutors cited evidentiary issues in declining to move forward with the felony assault charge against Gusmane Coulibaly, though he still faces reduced charges of second-degree harassment and obstruction of governmental administration.

Why it matters

The decision to drop the assault charge has intensified debate over public safety and prosecutorial discretion in New York City, with the police union criticizing the move as an "attack on the uniform" despite officers suffering injuries. The case has also highlighted ongoing tensions between the NYPD and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously described the incident as "kids doing snowballs."

The details

According to court records, Coulibaly was initially charged with assault on a police officer, obstruction of governmental administration and disorderly conduct following the snowstorm incident that left officers injured. However, during his arraignment, prosecutors declined to pursue the felony assault charge, instead reducing the remaining counts to second-degree harassment, a violation, and obstruction of governmental administration, a misdemeanor. Prosecutors told the court it was difficult to establish that the injury suffered by one officer, identified as 'PO Johnson,' was directly caused by Coulibaly.

  • The incident unfolded as officers responded to reports of disorderly conduct during a snowstorm on an unspecified date.
  • Coulibaly is scheduled to return to court on April 9 in connection with the snowball case, and also faces a separate court appearance next month on unrelated charges.

The players

Gusmane Coulibaly

A 27-year-old man accused of pelting NYPD officers with snowballs during a confrontation in Washington Square Park.

PO Johnson

An NYPD officer who suffered redness, tenderness and pain near his left eye during the incident, though prosecutors said it was difficult to establish the injury was directly caused by Coulibaly.

Patrick Hendry

The president of the Police Benevolent Association, who sharply criticized the decision to drop the assault charge, arguing the confrontation was not a harmless snowball fight.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who previously described the altercation as 'kids doing snowballs,' a characterization that has drawn criticism from law enforcement advocates.

Victoria Notaro

The Manhattan Assistant District Attorney who cited evidentiary concerns in declining to move forward with the assault charge against Coulibaly.

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What they’re saying

“This was an attack on the uniform.”

— Patrick Hendry, Police Benevolent Association President (wabcradio.com)

“Kids doing snowballs”

— Zohran Mamdani (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

Coulibaly is scheduled to return to court on April 9 in connection with the snowball case, and also faces a separate court appearance next month on unrelated charges. Three additional suspects connected to the snowball incident remain at large.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the NYPD and city leadership, as well as the challenges prosecutors face in pursuing charges related to confrontations between police and the public, even when officers are injured. It also raises questions about the appropriate response to incidents involving snowballs or other seemingly minor offenses, and the balance between public safety and prosecutorial discretion.