Influencer's Snowball Attack on NYPD Officer Resolved with Community Service
A plea deal allows a social media personality to avoid a criminal record for pelting an officer with a snowball.
Gusmane Coulibaly, 28, who was arrested for throwing a snowball at an NYPD officer in Washington Square Park, will have the charges against him dismissed if he completes 20 hours of community service. The Manhattan District Attorney's office agreed to the plea deal, reducing the initial charge from felony assault to a harassment violation, which is the equivalent of a parking ticket.
The incident occurred on February 23 during a large snowball fight organized by the social media show "3rd Annual Sidetalk Snowball Fight." Video of the event showed several officers being pelted with snowballs as they responded to the scene. Coulibaly was arrested days later after the NYPD released photos of him.
At the time, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the actions as "disgraceful" and "criminal." The Police Benevolent Association called it a "despicable attack" on officers.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism for his initial remarks about the incident, which some perceived as downplaying the seriousness of throwing snowballs at police. He later urged the public to show respect to law enforcement.
Coulibaly's lawyer, George Vomvolakis, stated that his client regrets his actions and did not intend to be disrespectful, though he understands the perception. The plea deal requires Coulibaly to perform 20 hours of community service for the Parks Department.
This case has drawn criticism from PBA President Patrick Hendry, who called the plea deal "weak justice." He suggested that the resolution reflects a broader approach by District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Mayor Mamdani that he believes undermines law enforcement.
Coulibaly has faced separate legal issues, including two arrests in the past year for alleged robberies. His lawyer claims these incidents were staged for social media prank videos, where Coulibaly would pretend to demand money from people. In one case from February 6, charges were dismissed after Coulibaly maintained it was a prank. He faces another charge from an alleged incident in East Harlem earlier this month, where he is accused of simulating having a gun. He pleaded not guilty in that case and is due back in court on December 10. His lawyer is not representing him in the robbery case.