Heavy snowfall blanketed New York City, turning Washington Square Park in Manhattan into a scene of chaos on January 23. What began as apparent youthful antics escalated into an assault on NYPD officers, resulting in injuries and one arrest.
Incident Unfolds in Washington Square Park
Amid roughly 50 cm of snow, schoolchildren struggled to navigate slick paths on their way home. Social media users issued warnings about potential snow hazards. Around 4 p.m., reports emerged of people shoveling walkways in the park. Responding officers encountered a group hurling snowballs, sparking immediate disorder.
Videos circulating online captured officers dodging snow projectiles while attempting to cross the park. A mob of about 10 teenagers pursued the officers, shouting and pelting them with increasingly large snow clumps—even as they sought cover in nearby vehicles.
Initially dismissing the barrage as a prank, officers grew tense as the snowballs enlarged. Two officers sustained injuries from the impacts and required hospital treatment nearby.
Suspect Arrested with Prior Record
NYPD officers raided a Manhattan apartment linked to a resident missing for three days, arresting 27-year-old Korean-American Gusman Kuriballi on charges of assaulting police. The incident ties into the city’s most significant snow-related disturbance.
Kuriballi has a prior arrest for attempted robbery at a major cathedral school tunnel entrance. The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) issued a statement clarifying details, noting the suspect’s age as inaccurately reported initially.
Official Reactions and Tensions Rise
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch labeled the event a “criminal act” and launched a suspect pursuit. Investigation logs describe it as an “attack targeting police officers.”
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine took a measured stance, stating on January 25, “From the videos I’ve seen, it looked like what happens in the snow,” adding that “officers sometimes encounter public nuisances too and must assume responsibility.” He urged citizens to show courtesy to police amid harsh weather.
Levine criticized NYPD as exhibiting “personal exceptionalism” and posing a “threat to public safety,” prompting backlash including budget cut proposals. Relations between NYPD and the borough president have strained further over this clash.
Public Divided, Probe Continues
Public sentiment splits: some express sympathy for the weather’s toll, while others highlight direct threats to officers. Anxiety mounts over safety during storms. NYPD continues investigating three individuals connected to the snowball assault.
