New York City Council launches ethics investigation into member accused of biting police officer

The New York City Council's Committee on Standards and Ethics has initiated proceedings against Council Member Susan Zhuang, who is also facing charges for allegedly biting a police officer during a demonstration this summer.

A council spokesman confirmed the meeting Tuesday after a reporter spotted Zhuang in the lobby before the committee meeting, which was largely closed to the public.

“The committee has opened the matter concerning Councilmember Zhuang and has stayed it pending the resolution of the ongoing criminal case by the Brooklyn District Attorney, as has been done in the past when a councilmember has had criminal charges pending against him,” spokeswoman Shirley Limongi said in a statement. “The committee will respect this process. The confidentiality rules that govern committee proceedings prevent further comment.”

Limongi did not comment on the exact reason for the ethics proceedings.

Zhuang told Gothamist that she would not comment on the matter on the advice of her lawyer.

This story has been updated with comment from City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang.