New York City Council member Susan Zhuang, a Democrat from Brooklyn, raised concerns on Thursday over what she claims was excessive force used by police during a protest. She did not directly address the allegation of biting a deputy police chief but highlighted that the treatment she received should not have occurred. Zhuang was charged with felony assault and other offenses after an incident where she reportedly bit a police official’s forearm and resisted being restrained during a protest where barricades were being pushed toward officers.
According to a court complaint, police said Zhuang was obstructing officers from reaching a woman on the ground. Zhuang, known for her pro-police stance, stated that she was attempting to assist the woman and criticized the NYPD for the alleged use of excessive force. She described being handcuffed, having her hair pulled, and her neck grabbed by officers as she tried to help the individual under the barricade.
During a news conference, Zhuang called for accountability for everyone involved in the altercation and condemned what she characterized as police brutality. The incident unfolded during a protest concerning the development of a new homeless shelter in Zhuang’s district. Video footage circulating on social media captured a moment where Zhuang and other protesters were seen engaging with police as they tried to take control of a barricade.
