NYPD makes arrest in connection with crowd pelting officers with snow, ice balls amid blizzard

"The NYPD said the charges are over a incident Monday in Manhattan's Washington Square Park, where officers responding to reports of a disorderly group in the park were hit repeatedly with ice and packed snow. Authorities said the officers suffered injuries to the head, neck, and face."

"Democrat Mayor Zohran Mamdani had said that online videos appeared to show a snowball fight that "got out of hand," and questioned whether those involved should face assault charges."

"New York City police union leaders criticized Mamdani's comments, arguing that throwing ice and compacted snow at responding officers constitutes an attack."

Gusmane Coulibaly, 27, was arrested Thursday morning on assault charges for an alleged attack on NYPD officers in Washington Square Park on Monday. Officers responding to reports of a disorderly group were hit repeatedly with ice and packed snow, sustaining injuries to the head, neck, and face. Mayor Zohran Mamdani characterized online videos as showing a snowball fight that "got out of hand" and questioned whether assault charges were appropriate. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated the actions were criminal. Police union leaders defended the charges, arguing that throwing ice and compacted snow at officers constitutes an attack. Coulibaly faces additional attempted robbery charges in the transit system with a court date scheduled for March 16.

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