Biting Remarks.

A biting incident occurred in Brooklyn recently and it wasn’t at the beach. Chaos broke out when conservative, democratic councilwoman Susan Zhuang was arrested at a pro-police protest for allegedly biting a police officer. Her actions have created a divide amongst south Brooklyn democrats. Zhuang’s behavior has also spurred biting remarks from her colleagues. 

A protest in Gravesend.

Zhuang represents Gravesend and the adjoining areas of district 43. On Wednesday, July 17, a protest organized against a proposed men’s homeless shelter in Gravesend. Zhuang is an ardent supporter of the NYPD, which makes this incident strange. Gravesend is a pro-police area of Brooklyn and many see the shelter as a threat to their neighborhood’s safety. In a video you see protesters rushing a metal barricade and NYPD pushing them back. Zhuang is amongst the protestors and is seen wearing a pink shirt. 

Biting remarks.

Two of Zhuang’s Southern Brooklyn Democratic colleagues have taken umbrage with Zhuang’s attempt to “take a bite out of crime” as the 90s cartoon McGruff would say. They have labeled her alleged actions as “deeply disturbing” and “unbecoming of any elected official.” 

“The law must be applied fairly and fully regardless of Council Member Zhuang’s status as an elected official or her self-portrayal as a champion of law and order,” state Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Justin Brannan said in a joint X statement. 

Other Democratic officials were more supportive of Zhuang however. Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, claimed Zhuang was attacked by a “mob of unknown forces, allegedly police officers”. Zhuang defended her own actions, claiming that she was preventing an elderly woman from being hurt in the ensuing chaos.

A NEIGHBORHOOD UNDER STRAIN.

Gravesend and the adjoining locales aren’t alone in their struggle. Neighborhoods across Brooklyn and New York City are under duress with the massive influx of immigrants. There aren’t nearly enough accommodations for them. A storage warehouse in Fort Greene has been made into a migrant facility. Last winter immigrants were housed in tents at Floyd Bennett Field, but due to stormy conditions were promptly relocated to James Madison High School. This forced the school to be closed to students, stirring anger amongst parents and controversy.

Meanwhile, there are homeless people who refuse to go to homeless shelters out of fear. Brooklynites have been sensing for a long time that homelessness is not improving, but is actually getting worse.

Considering all of these factors, it is understandable why tensions run high at times. Susan Zhuang claims that she bit the police officer to protect an elderly woman from harm’s way. While being investigated she stated “We see her not just as a person. I see her as my grandmother.” Her claims are pending investigation. She has been arraigned on assault charges. Zhuang still supports the NYPD, with the caveat that they are held to high ethical standards.

biting remarks from the nypd.

Her bite broke the skin of Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo on his arm. He has been treated with an antiviral injection. The NYPD claim that they were attempting to help the elderly woman avoid harm. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said “We are disappointed, disappointed in Councilmember Susan Zhuang.”

Can Brooklyn and NYC handle all of these people? What will be done about the growing homelessness and crime? Only time will tell.

As always I, and the team at Brooklynites, thank you for reading. Click back soon. <3

Read about Brooklynite’s fight to protect and preserve the character of Windsor Terrace:

https://brooklynites.nyc/preserve-community/

Read about all of the wonderful things to do this summer in Brooklyn:

https://brooklynites.nyc/summertime-in-brooklyn/

Representative Susan Zhuang’s NYC government profile:

https://council.nyc.gov/district-43/