NYC councilmember arrested during homeless shelter protest in Brooklyn
NYC councilmember arrested at protest in Brooklyn
NYC councilmember Susan Zhuang has been charged with assault, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration. Dramatic video footage shows the moment she was taken into custody which her office says all stemmed from her efforts to protect an elderly woman who was being pushed into the barricades. FOX 5 NY's Arthur Chi'en reports.
BROOKYLN - NYC Councilmember Susan Zhuang was arrested during a homeless shelter protest in Brooklyn, the City Council's office told FOX 5 NY.
The protest, called "Residents Against Homeless Shelters," happened at 25th Avenue and 86th Street in Bensonhurst.
Police said there were approximately 150 participants in the group.
The City Council office said Zhuang, a Democrat, was protecting an elderly woman who was being pushed into the barricades. The New York Post said Zhuang allegedly bit Deputy Chief of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Frank DiGiacomo on the arm when he tried to pull her away from the barriers.
"We are disappointment disappointed in council member Susan Song like she is a great partner, but we would not tolerate. This is what she did to the officer. Bit the officer on the arm, as you can see. The bite wound," Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry said.
Zhuang was put into a headlock and had her hair pulled, the office added.
Police said Zhuang was charged with assault, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration.
Video footage shows the moment she was taken into custody.
Police said some people were taken into custody and officers suffered minor injuries.
There is no word yet on the number of arrests that were made.
The Post said Zhuang was being held at the 62nd Precinct Wednesday morning, according to sources, and has now been released.
Despite the heatwave, the protest continued on all day with many accusing Mayor Adams of forcing the shelter to house 150 men.
"The community feels that they supported him. He has completely sold out their community," protester Steve Chan said.
In a statement, City Hall told FOX 5 of the more than 200 emergency shelters it’s opened, none have been opened in this Bensonhurst neighborhood and that what’s opening here will treat New Yorkers in need.
Still, some people prefer a treatment center to be built there, rather than a shelter.
"I've been advocating for several years to build a shelter treatment center as a treatment center. He as a 24-year-old, maybe we do exactly who can be housed to feed, clothe them, train them, treat them, detox them, and then they have to stay there long enough for ready to go Beyond that," NYS Assembly member Lester Chang said.