A Democratic New York City council member, Susan Zhuang, has made headlines after being arrested for allegedly biting a deputy police chief during a protest in her Brooklyn district. The incident occurred during a demonstration against a proposed homeless shelter, where Zhuang was charged with a felony count of assault in the second degree, along with several misdemeanor charges.
Zhuang has since spoken out against the NYPD, condemning what she described as 'brutality' and 'Asian hate.' She expressed disappointment in the alleged excessive force used by the police during her arrest, emphasizing that there is no justification for mistreatment of citizens by law enforcement officers.
Claiming that many members of the Asian community have faced mistreatment by the NYPD, Zhuang called for an end to such behavior. She recounted her version of the events leading to her arrest, stating that she was trying to assist an elderly woman stuck in a barricade when she was apprehended by police.
During an emotional interview, Zhuang tearfully described the incident and displayed bruises on her arms. A photo of the deputy chief she allegedly bit, Frank DiGiacomo, showed a bloodied bite mark that reportedly penetrated his skin.
The protest where the altercation took place was focused on opposing the construction of a homeless shelter in Zhuang's district. Activists argued that the shelter would compromise public safety and advocated for affordable housing instead. The clash with police resulted in Zhuang being accused of assaulting the deputy police chief.
Under New York City law, if a council member is convicted of a felony, they are automatically expelled from the city council. Additionally, the council has a Committee on Standards and Ethics to investigate and recommend disciplinary actions for misconduct, regardless of felony convictions.
In response to the incident, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell expressed bewilderment at Zhuang's actions, noting her previous positive relationship with the police department. Both Zhuang and the NYPD have been contacted for further comments on the matter.
