Susan Zhuang, the New York Metropolis Councilmember arrested for biting a cop at an anti-homeless shelter protest, had her prices dropped Tuesday after she went by a restorative justice program.
Zhuang, a first-term conservative Democrat, was charged with biting NYPD Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo within the arm, drawing blood, throughout a July 2024 protest in opposition to a deliberate homeless shelter in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
This system, run by Brooklyn Justice Initiatives and the Brooklyn DA’s workplace, introduced Zhuang and DiGiacomo collectively to have a constructive dialog concerning the incident, along with periods earlier than and after.
Councilwoman Susan Zhuang (D-Brooklyn) was taken into custody following the July 2024 protest. (Obtained by Each day Information)
“This case was resolved through a restorative justice process that created space for dialogue, accountability, and healing,” a spokesperson for the Brooklyn District Lawyer’s workplace stated in an announcement. “It was based on the wishes of the victim and the defendant’s willingness to make amends. This is exactly what restorative is meant to do — address harm, foster understanding, and support a path forward.”
Zhuang, a member of the Republican-majority Frequent Sense Caucus, has aligned herself with the NYPD and was endorsed by the Police Benevolent Affiliation in 2023.
Councilmember Susan Zhuang, arrested throughout a protest, is eliminated by officers from the 62nd Precinct for transport to Brooklyn Central Reserving, July 17, 2024. (Jeff Bachner for New York Each day Information)
The councilmember was charged with felony assault, resisting arrest and obstruction of presidency administration after her arrest on the 6 a.m. protest. She pleaded not responsible, arguing that she had been defending an aged girl.
Zhuang has acquired neighborhood assist after the arrest, with locals staging a parade in her honor shortly after her arrest. Her authorized protection fund opened to assist cowl bills raised $66,000.
The Metropolis Council opened an investigation into the incident final 12 months, however paused proceedings till her case was sorted out in courtroom.
Councilmember Susan Zhuang, arrested throughout a 2024 protest in Brooklyn. (Jeff Bachner for New York Each day Information)
The case is sealed and gained’t stay on her document.
Goldfeder famous that Zhuang, who’s up for reelection this 12 months, faces no main and “no opponent on either the conservative, Republican or Working Families line.”
Initially Printed: April 8, 2025 at 12:08 PM EDT
