NYC councilwoman arrested for biting a cop during a protest against a planned homeless shelter

A New York City Council member was arrested on Wednesday accused of biting a police chief during a raucous protest at the proposed site of a new men's homeless shelter.

Brooklyn Democrat Susan Zhuang, 38, was taken into custody during the chaotic protest at the site of where the shelter would be built in her district, in Gravesend.

Images and video posted to social media showed police clashing with protesters from as early as 6am.

In one video, a woman wearing a bright pink top 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 to the railings using zip-ties. 

Another video then appears to show Zhuang being led away by police in handcuffs.

A still photo shows a large bite mark in the arm of Borough Brooklyn South Deputy Chief of Patrol Frank DiGiacomo.

DiGiacomo was checked out at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn following the injury which he described it as a 'pretty nasty bite.'. 

Police said Zhuang was blocking officers from getting to a woman on the ground, and that Zhuang pushed officers using the barricade, eventually biting a cop as the officer tried to grab her. 

Zhuang has been charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstruction, a police spokesperson said.

NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell sounded completely shocked by what had occurred.

'Councilwoman Zhuang has been a great partner with the NYPD for a long time,' Chell began. 'But the actions today, by assaulting one of our police officers, a deputy chief, by biting him viciously in the arm, I can't explain it right now.'

Three other officers were also injured in the melee with one treated for injuries to both knees and another to his neck. Nine other people were arrested in total, including Zhuang. 

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 spokesperson for the Brooklyn district attorney said Zhuang was arraigned in court on Wednesday evening, and released on her own recognizance.

Zhuang's office said the first-term Democratic councilwoman was arrested after trying to protect an 80-year-old woman who was being pushed against barriers. 

PBA President Patrick Hendry released a statement saying that they are 'extremely shocked' by what happened.

'We are extremely shocked by the reported violence against NYPD members at todays protest in Brooklyn, especially because Councilmember Susan Zhuang has been a steadfast supporter of police officers during her time in the Council. 

'There is never any excuse or justification for assaulting a police officer. There should be no double standard in this case. After a full and fair investigation, Councilmember Zhuang and anyone else involved must face full accountability for their conduct,' Hendry said.

The city council may look to discipline Zhuang, but say they are waiting for an investigations to to take place.

'Violence is never acceptable and it is always important to respect city workers doing their jobs,' a council spokesperson said. 

'We have seen the public footage circulating of today's incident, and will be seeking to learn more about the details. The Council will respect the processes of the NYPD and Brooklyn District Attorney with respect to this matter.'

Manhattan Councilman Keith Powers, a senior Democrat in the chamber, condemned his colleague's actions.

'There's no reason anyone, elected official or otherwise, should be acting in this manner,' Powers wrote on X. 'Hoping the officer is OK.'

The tensions boiled over in Gravesend after the city announced plans to build a homeless shelter will house 150 men. 

Demonstrators waved flags and signs with some reading, 'Help the homeless by creating jobs not building shelters!' and 'No shelters near playgrounds or schools!'

Other protesters held signs with messages aimed at New York City Mayor Eric Adams stating: 'You're endangering our children, no homeless shelters here!'

Those against it are concerned about it being too close to schools, day cares and senior centers with locals concerned about crime and possibly unstable people.

'People are not going to feel safe here because it's going to be a big building and it's not safe for the community,' Penny, 35, said to the New York Daily News. 'People can get drunk and be around the kids or disturb the businesses around. They need to stop with this shelter.' 

'They can't build this in this community. We have a lot of schools, senior citizen center. It's not safe for our community,' protestor Winnie Chan said. 'We have the support of the community, a lot of people are together.' 

Leaders say that the city needs to take different approach.

'Because the city did not communicate with the community, people feel frustrated, this is a homeless shelter that is built in the worst possible neighborhood that's been 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 been the first of its kind in the community in order to help the homeless get back on their feet.

'The owner of this building has the proper permitting required to demolish the existing building. Every community must have the resources they need to support their most vulnerable neighbors, and this community has no shelters,' a statement read.

'Working with our nonprofit partners, we will provide robust support to help future 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 neighborhoods' needs.'