New York City councilwoman arrested for allegedly biting police officer during protest, police say

NEW YORK – A New York City councilwoman was arrested Wednesday for allegedly biting a police officer during a chaotic protest against the construction of a new homeless shelter in Brooklyn, police said.

City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang faces charges of assault, resisting arrest and obstruction, a police spokeswoman said. Zhuang’s office declined to comment.

Images and videos posted on social media from the protests in South Brooklyn show police clashing with protesters at the proposed site of a homeless shelter. In one video, a woman who appears to be Zhuang can be seen trying to pull a barricade away from police along with other protesters while an officer tries to handcuff her. In another video, Zhuang can be seen being led away in handcuffs by police.

The police cited a police report that said Zhuang prevented officers from reaching a woman lying on the ground and pushed and eventually bit the officers when they tried to grab her.

Zhuang posted a video on social media site X early Wednesday that appeared to show her arguing with an official at the construction site. The caption read: “There are no permits. The mayor’s office approved construction in our neighborhood at 5 a.m.”

A spokesman for the Brooklyn district attorney’s office said Zhuang had not been arraigned as of Wednesday afternoon.