Brooklyn Councilwoman Susan Zhuang Arrested During Protest Against Planned Homeless Shelter

On Wednesday, July 17th, New York City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang was arrested during a protest against a proposed homeless shelter in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. The demonstration, which took place at the corner of 25th Avenue and 86th Street, resulted in clashes between protesters and the NYPD.

Zhuang, who represents the 43rd district, allegedly bit Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo in the arm during the altercation. The 38-year-old councilwoman was charged with second and third-degree assault, resisting arrest, and obstruction of governmental administration. DiGiacomo was treated at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn for what was described as a “pretty nasty bite.”

The protest saw nine individuals, including Zhuang, arrested as tensions flared over the city’s plans to build the new men’s shelter. Residents of Bensonhurst have been rallying against the facility for months, expressing concerns over its impact on the community. Videos from the scene showed protesters attempting to dismantle barricades, with some alleging that construction began without proper permits.

Prior to her arrest, Zhuang posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) questioning the legitimacy of the construction permits. “There are no permits,” Zhuang wrote. “The Mayor’s office allowed construction at 5 a.m. in our neighborhood.”

Mayor Eric Adams’ administration has defended the project, stating that the shelter is essential for providing care to the city’s most vulnerable residents. A City Hall spokesperson emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting homeless individuals and ensuring that all communities contribute to these efforts.

“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,” the spokesperson said. “We maintain open lines of communication with the community and remain committed to ongoing engagement to address the neighborhood’s needs.”

The arrest of Zhuang, a known supporter of the NYPD, has sparked a strong reaction from various quarters. PBA President Patrick Hendry expressed shock over the incident, stating, “We are extremely shocked by the reported violence against NYPD members at today’s protest in Brooklyn, especially because Councilmember Susan Zhuang has been a steadfast supporter of police officers during her time in the Council. There should be no double standard in this case.”

Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and former mayoral candidate, voiced his support for Zhuang and the Bensonhurst community, stating, “Local residents in Bensonhurst are protesting a homeless shelter that was being opened at 5 a.m. with NO consent from the community, or their Council Member Susan Zhuang! Zhuang stood up for her community, and was arrested this morning protesting this shelter.”

As the community grapples with the controversy, the incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the placement of homeless shelters and the challenges faced by city officials in balancing community concerns with the need for social services.