A New York City Council member was arrested Wednesday on charges of biting a police chief during a rowdy protest at the proposed site of a new homeless shelter for men.
Brooklyn Democrat Susan Zhuang, 38, was arrested during the chaotic protest at the site of the shelter in her district, Gravesend.
Images and videos posted on social media showed police clashing with protesters from 6am.
In one video, a woman wearing a bright pink top who appears to be Zhuang can be seen alongside other protesters trying to grab a barricade from police as an officer attempts to handcuff her to the railing using zip ties.
Brooklyn Democrat Susan Zhuang, 38, was arrested Wednesday on charges of biting a police officer.
Police could be seen struggling with Zhuang and several other protesters over a metal barricade, and at one point appeared to lift it.
Still photos show a large bite mark on the arm of Brooklyn South District Deputy Patrol Chief Frank DiGiacomo
Another video then appears showing Zhuang being led away in handcuffs by police.
A still photo shows a large bite mark on the arm of Brooklyn South District Deputy Patrol Chief Frank DiGiacomo.
DiGiacomo was examined at New York University Langone Hospital in Brooklyn after the injury, which he described as a “pretty nasty bite.”
Police said Zhuang was blocking officers from reaching a woman on the ground, and that Zhuang pushed officers away using the barricade, eventually biting an officer when the officer tried to grab her.
Zhuang has been charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstruction, a police spokesman said.
New York Police Department Chief of Patrol John Chell seemed completely shocked by what had happened.
“Councilwoman Zhuang has been a great ally of the NYPD for a long time,” Chell began. “But today’s actions, assaulting one of our police officers, a deputy chief, viciously biting him on the arm, I cannot explain right now.”
Brooklyn City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang, arrested during a protest, is taken away by officers from the 62nd Precinct in Bath Beach to be transported to Brooklyn Central Booking
Local residents of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn were seen protesting against a possible homeless shelter
Three other officers were injured in the incident, with one receiving treatment for injuries to both knees and another to the neck. In total, nine other people were arrested, including Zhuang.
Zhuang posted a video on social networking site X Early Wednesday morning, when she was seen at the scene arguing with an officer, the following message was written: “There are no permits. The mayor’s office authorized construction at 5 a.m. in our neighborhood.”
A spokesman for the Brooklyn district attorney said Zhuang was arraigned in court Wednesday night and released on her own recognizance.
Zhuang’s office said the first-term Democratic councilwoman was arrested after trying to protect an 80-year-old woman who was being pushed against barriers.
PBA President Patrick Hendry issued a statement saying they are “extremely shocked” by what happened.
‘We are extremely shocked by the reported violence against members of the NYPD at today’s protest in Brooklyn, especially since Councilmember Susan Zhuang has been a staunch defender of police officers during her time on the Council.
Several officers attempted to handcuff Zhuang during the fierce protest.
Police said Zhuang was charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstructing government administration.
“There is never any excuse or justification for assaulting a police officer. There should be no double standard in this case. After a full and fair investigation, Councillor Zhuang and anyone else involved must take full responsibility for their conduct,” Hendry said.
The city council could try to discipline Zhuang, but says it is waiting for an investigation to be carried out.
“Violence is never acceptable and it is always important to respect council workers doing their job,” a council spokesman said.
“We have seen the publicly circulated footage of today’s incident and will seek to obtain more information on the details. The Council will respect the processes of the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney regarding this matter.”
Manhattan Councilman Keith Powers, a senior Democrat in the House, condemned his colleague’s actions.
“There is no reason anyone, elected official or not, should act this way,” Powers wrote in X. “I hope the officer is okay.”
Barricades can be seen in the air as protesters fight with Zhuang seen in pink.
Footage of Zhuang’s arrest shows the lawmaker tied to a barricade with a cable as she screamed incoherently as police attempted to detain her.
Officers could be seen grabbing Zhuang’s arms as they attempted to place her under arrest.
Tensions rose in Gravesend after the town announced plans to build a homeless shelter that will house 150 men.
Protesters waved flags and signs, some of which read: “Help the homeless by creating jobs, not building shelters!” and “No shelters allowed near playgrounds or schools!”
Other protesters held signs with messages directed at New York City Mayor Eric Adams, reading: “You are endangering our children, there are no homeless shelters here!”
Opponents worry it is too close to schools, daycare centers and senior centers, and locals are concerned about crime and the possible presence of unstable people.
“People are not going to feel safe here because it’s going to be a big building and it’s not safe for the community,” Penny, 35, told New York Daily News“People can get drunk and be around children or disrupt the surrounding businesses. They need to stop this shelter.”
“They can’t build this in this community. We have a lot of schools, a senior center. It’s not safe for our community,” said protester Winnie Chan. “We have the support of the community, a lot of people are united.”
Leaders say the city needs to take a different approach.
The drama began early on Wednesday morning with a video recorded at 5 a.m.
“Because the city didn’t communicate with the community, people are frustrated. This is a homeless shelter that was built in the worst possible neighborhood that was ever proposed,” said Democrat William Colton. “There’s a church within 200 feet. There are four or five schools.”
A spokesman for Mayor Adams said the shelter would be the first of its kind in the community to help homeless people get back on their feet.
“The owner of this building has the necessary permits to demolish the existing building. Every community should have the resources necessary to support its most vulnerable neighbors, and this community does not have shelters,” the statement read.
“Working with our nonprofit partners, we will provide robust support to help future shelter residents stabilize their lives and move into permanent housing. We maintain open lines of communication with the community and remain committed to ongoing engagement to address neighborhood needs.”
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