NYC Councilwoman Arrested for Biting Cop During Bensonhurst Homeless Shelter Protest

Jul 17, 2024, 11:51 PM

New York City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang was arrested during a protest against a proposed men's homeless shelter in the predominantly Asian American neighborhood of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. The protest, which began at 5AM Wednesday morning in Gravesend, saw heavy clashes between local residents and the NYPD. Zhuang was charged with second- and third-degree assault, resisting arrest, and obstruction of governmental administration after allegedly biting a deputy police chief. The councilwoman claimed she was trying to help a woman being pushed against a barricade when the incident occurred. The shelter, which is being built without proper permits according to Zhuang, has faced significant opposition from the community. The protest drew about 150 people, with multiple arrests reported.