Democrats Divided over Councilwoman's Assault Charge for Biting Police Officer
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events, the arrest of Susan Zhuang, a first-year Democratic councilwoman from Brooklyn, for biting a police officer during a protest has ignited a debate among Democrats on how to reprimand her actions. The incident occurred during a demonstration against a proposed homeless shelter, where Zhuang claimed she was trying to protect an elderly woman who had fallen.
Zhuang, known for her law-and-order message during her campaign, drew significant attention at a recent City Council meeting, where bills were being introduced or passed. Although she was absent from the gathering, she held her own news conference near the scene of the alleged crime. However, a photo provided by the police showing a bloody gash on the officer's arm seemed to place Zhuang in a position of explaining the confrontation rather than denying it.
During her press conference, Zhuang explained that she and other protesters had requested the removal of a barricade blocking the path of the elderly woman, but their pleas went unheard. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to the confrontation with the police officer. Supporters at the conference applauded Zhuang's actions, highlighting that she was just trying to protect an elderly individual.
Zhuang, who represents a growing Asian American constituency in New York City politics, has been seen as a conservative voice within the Democratic Party. She is a member of the Council's Common-Sense Caucus, predominantly composed of Republicans. This political landscape has contributed to the differing reactions among Democrats towards her assault charge.
The Brooklyn Democratic machine, a powerful political force in the region, swiftly came to Zhuang's defense. Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the borough's party chair, referred to Zhuang's arrest as "unlawful" and claimed she was attacked by unidentified individuals before defending herself. However, Councilmember Justin Brannan criticized Zhuang's actions as "deeply disturbing and unbecoming of an elected official."
Mayor Eric Adams, allied with Zhuang as part of his coalition of moderate Democrats, expressed his disappointment in her behavior. Mayor Adams acknowledged the emotional nature of the issues surrounding the incident but stressed the severity of the biting incident during a radio interview.
Adrienne Adams, the speaker of the City Council, expressed her concern over the altercation and stated that she had not yet spoken with Zhuang but found the videos of the incident "disturbing." She emphasized that the legal process must play out before any decisions regarding Zhuang's status within the Council are made.
The protest, which led to the altercation, was in response to a plan by the city to convert a building in Gravesend into a men's homeless shelter. Charging documents allege that Zhuang was involved in pushing barricades towards law enforcement officers, ultimately resulting in her biting the Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo on the forearm. Chief DiGiacomo suffered broken skin, teeth marks, and substantial pain, requiring medical treatment.
Mayor Adams further criticized Zhuang's opposition to the homeless shelter, highlighting the disparities in the distribution of such facilities across different neighborhoods. He emphasized the need for shared responsibility in addressing the homelessness crisis.
As the controversy unfolds, Democrats find themselves divided over how to handle Zhuang's assault charge. The ideological diversity within the party is manifesting in varying reactions, with some staunchly defending her while others condemn her actions. The outcome of this charged debate remains uncertain, as the legal process moves forward.
This incident serves as a reminder that even within a political party, divergent beliefs and perspectives can lead to heated disagreements. As the case continues to unfold, the Democratic Party will need to find common ground and navigate the complexities of reprimanding one of their own.