NYC Council investigates member accused of biting police officer during Brooklyn protest

NEW YORK — The New York City Council has launched an ethics investigation into a city councilor accused of biting a police officer during a demonstration in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Councilwoman Susan Zhuang had previously pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault for allegedly biting a deputy police chief on July 17.

City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang allegedly bit the NYPD's deputy police chief

The incident occurred during a heated rally against the construction of a homeless shelter in Bensonhurst.

According to the NYPD and Zhuang, an 80-year-old protester lay down on the ground under a metal barricade during a clash between protesters and police. Zhuang said she was trying to protect the woman when She claims that the officers handcuffed her, pulled her hair and grabbed her by the neck.

According to the New York Police Department, officers were trying to stop protesters from breaking through the barricades when Zhuang allegedly bit the deputy police chief on the arm. Police released photos of the apparent bite marks on the officer's arm.

The city council released the following statement on Wednesday:

“The Committee has opened the matter concerning Council Member 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 Council Member has been facing criminal charges. The Committee will respect this process. The confidentiality rules that govern Committee proceedings prevent further comment.”

At the time of the incident, PBA President Patrick Hendry said, among other things: “There is never an excuse or justification for an attack on a police officer. There should be no double standards in this case. After a full and fair investigation, Councilor Zhuang and all others involved must be held fully accountable for their conduct.”