A New York City councilman was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of biting a police chief during a noisy protest at the proposed site of a new men’s homeless shelter.
Susan Zhuang, 38, a Brooklyn Democrat, was arrested during the chaotic protest at the site of the shelter planned for her district, Gravesend.
Photos and videos have been posted on social media showing police clashing with protesters from 6am onwards.
In a video, a woman wearing a bright pink top who appears to be Zhuang can be seen trying to break a barricade from police with other protesters as an officer tries to handcuff her to the railing with zip ties.
38-year-old Brooklyn Democrat Susan Zhuang 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, at one point appearing to lift it
Photos show a large bite wound on the arm of Frank DiGiacomo, deputy patrol chief of Borough Brooklyn South
Another video shows Zhuang being led away in handcuffs by police.
A photo shows a large bite wound on the arm of Frank DiGiacomo, deputy police chief of Borough Brooklyn South.
DiGiacomo was examined at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn after the injury. He described the injury as a “pretty nasty bite.”
According to police, Zhuang blocked officers from reaching a woman on the ground. Zhuang pushed officers using the barricade and eventually bit an officer when the officer tried to grab her.
Zhuang is charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstructing justice, a police spokesman said.
New York Police Department Chief of Patrol John Chell sounded shocked by what had happened.
“Councilman Zhuang has been a great partner of the NYPD for a long time,” Chell began. “But his actions today in attacking one of our police officers, a deputy chief, and brutally biting him in the arm, I cannot explain at this time.”
Brooklyn City Councilmember Susan Zhuang, arrested during a protest, is taken by officers from the 62nd precinct in Bath Beach for transport to Brooklyn Central Booking
Local residents in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn were seen protesting a potential homeless shelter
Three other officers were also injured in the melee, one was treated for wounds to both knees and another to his neck. A total of nine other people were arrested, including Zhuang.
Zhuang posted a video on the social media site X Wednesday morning, showing her at the construction site, arguing with a police officer, with a caption that read: “There are no permits. Mayor’s office has allowed construction at 5 a.m. in our neighborhood.”
A spokesman for the Brooklyn district attorney said Zhuang appeared in court Wednesday night and was released on his own recognizance.
According to Zhuang’s office, the first-term Democratic councilwoman was arrested after she tried to protect an 80-year-old woman who was pushed against barriers.
PBA President Patrick Hendry said in a statement that he was “deeply shocked” by what happened.
“We are deeply shocked by the reported violence against NYPD members during today’s protest in Brooklyn, especially since Councilmember Susan Zhuang has consistently advocated for police officers throughout her time on the Council.
Several officers attempted to handcuff Zhuang during the fierce protest
According to police, Zhuang was charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstructing government administration.
“There is never an excuse 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 all others involved must be held fully accountable for their conduct,” Hendry said.
The city council may want to punish Zhuang, but says they are waiting for an investigation to take place.
“Violence is never acceptable and it is always important to respect city employees doing their jobs,” a council spokesperson said.
“We have seen the public footage circulating today of the incident and will attempt to learn more about the details. The Board will respect the procedures of the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney regarding this matter.”
Manhattan Councilman Keith Powers, a leading Democrat in the chamber, condemned his colleague’s actions.
“There is no reason why anyone, elected official or otherwise, should behave in this manner,” Powers wrote on X. “I hope the official is OK.”
Barricades can be seen in the air during the clash between protesters, with Zhuang seen in pink
Footage of Zhuang’s arrest shows the lawmaker tied to a barricade with cables and screaming inaudibly as police try to arrest her
Officers were seen grabbing Zhuang by her arms as they tried to arrest her
Tensions rose in Gravesend after the city announced plans to build a homeless shelter that would accommodate 150 men.
Protesters waved flags and signs with messages such as “Help the homeless by creating jobs, not by building shelters!” and “No shelters near playgrounds or schools!”
Other protesters held signs directed at New York City Mayor Eric Adams, such as, “You’re putting our children in danger, no homeless shelters here!”
Opponents are concerned that the neighborhood is too close to schools, daycare centers and retirement homes, and residents are concerned about crime and potentially unstable people.
“People are not going to feel safe here because it is a big building and it is not safe for the community,” Penny, 35, told the New York Daily News. ‘People can get drunk and be around children or disrupt the businesses in the area. They need to stop this shelter.’
“They can’t build this in this community. We have a lot of schools, retirement homes. It’s not safe for our community,” protester Winnie Chan said. “We have the support of the community, a lot of people are together.”
Officials say the city needs a different approach.
The drama began early Wednesday morning with video footage being 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 proposed,” said Democrat William Colton. “There’s a church within 200 feet. There’s four or five schools.”
A spokesperson 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 proper permit to demolish the existing building. Every community should have the resources they need to support their most vulnerable neighbors, and this community has no shelters,” the statement said.
“In collaboration with our nonprofit partners, we provide robust support to help prospective 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 the needs of neighborhoods.”