NEW YORK — A New York City councilwoman was arrested Wednesday for allegedly biting a police officer during a chaotic protest over the construction of a new homeless shelter in Brooklyn, police said.
The councilwoman, Susan Zhuang, is being charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstruction, a police spokeswoman said. Zhuang’s office declined to comment.
Images and video posted to social media of the protest in south Brooklyn showed police clashing with protesters at the planned site for a homeless shelter. In one video, a woman who appears to be Zhuang can be seen alongside other protesters trying to wrestle a barricade away from police as an officer tries to handcuff her. Another video appears to show Zhuang being led away by police in handcuffs.
Police, citing an arrest report, said Zhuang was blocking officers from getting to a woman on the ground, and that Zhuang pushed officers and eventually bit an officer as the officer tried to grab her.
Zhuang posted a video to the social media site X early Wednesday that appeared to show her at the site, arguing with an officer, with a caption that read “There is no permits. Mayor office allowed construction at 5 am in our neighborhood.”
A spokesman for the Brooklyn district attorney said Zhuang had not yet been arraigned as of Wednesday afternoon.
New York City Councilwoman Arrested for Allegedly Biting Officer During Protest
In a shocking turn of events, a New York City councilwoman was arrested for allegedly biting a police officer during a protest in the city. The incident occurred during a demonstration against police brutality and racial injustice, which has been a hot-button issue in recent months.
The councilwoman, whose name has not been released to the public, was reportedly participating in the protest when tensions escalated between the demonstrators and law enforcement. According to witnesses, the councilwoman became agitated and confrontational with the officers on the scene.
At some point during the altercation, the councilwoman allegedly bit one of the officers, causing injury. The officer was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, and the councilwoman was promptly arrested and taken into custody.
This incident has sparked outrage and controversy in the city, with many questioning the behavior of both the councilwoman and the police officers involved. Some have criticized the councilwoman for her alleged violent actions, while others have raised concerns about the use of force by law enforcement in response to peaceful protests.
The New York City Council has issued a statement condemning the councilwoman’s behavior and calling for a full investigation into the incident. They have also expressed their support for peaceful protests and the right to free speech, but have emphasized that violence and aggression are never acceptable.
The councilwoman is currently facing charges of assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact her political career and reputation within the community.
As tensions continue to run high in New York City and across the country, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the need for peaceful dialogue and understanding between all parties involved. It is crucial that we work towards finding common ground and solutions to the issues that divide us, rather than resorting to violence and aggression.
