The first-ever Democratic member of the New York City Council was handcuffed and taken to a police station after he allegedly biting a NYPD deputy sergeant during riots over the construction of a homeless shelter.
On Wednesday, Brooklyn City Councilman John K.A common sense Democrat“We joined others who had gathered near the intersection of 25th Avenue and 86th Street. Gravesend, Brooklynto protest the construction of a homeless shelter for men, which protesters believe will likely attract men struggling with mental illness and substance abuse and pose a danger to nearby schools and senior living facilities.
“There is never any excuse or justification for assaulting a police officer. There should be no double standards in this case.”
of A group of protesters The turnout initially numbered around 150 people but quickly swelled to around 300, posing a safety concern for police on the scene. At one point, some of the protesters, possibly including Zhuang, fought with police over a security barrier. Part of the incident was This video.
As tensions rose during the protests, Zhuang allegedly bit Brooklyn South Deputy Police Chief Frank DiGiacomo, whose office later claimed she was trying to protect an 80-year-old woman who had been pinned against a barricade.
Zhuang was arrested at the scene and taken to the 62nd Precinct for processing. She was charged with second- and third-degree assault, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.
NYPD Sergeant John Chell expressed shock at her arrest. “Councillor Chuang has been a great partner to the NYPD for many years,” he asserted. “But today, I cannot explain her actions, which are assaulting one of our officers, a deputy chief, and biting him violently in the arm.”
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, which supported Zhuang, was similarly shocked. “We are deeply shocked by the reported acts of violence against NYPD officers during protests in Brooklyn today, particularly as Council Member Susan Zhuang has been a consistent supporter of police officers throughout her tenure on the City Council,” Hendry said.
“There can never be any excuses or justification for assaulting a police officer. There should be no double standards in this case. After a full and fair investigation, Councillor Zhuang and others involved must be held fully accountable for their actions.”
Democratic Mayor Eric Adams described the entire incident as “unfortunate” and insisted he would “be in touch” with Zhuang and the NYPD to get more clarity about what happened.
In a statement, the New York City Council condemned violence in general, adding that it “respects the process followed by the New York Police Department and the Brooklyn District Attorney” in Zhuang’s case.
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