Council member accused of biting police officer defends actions, citing police brutality.

A New York City council member has criticized the NYPD for "brutality" and "Asian hate" after a protest where she was accused of biting a cop, causing him injury.

Susan Zhuang was arrested for allegedly biting a deputy police chief during a protest against a proposed homeless shelter in her Brooklyn district. She was charged with a felony count of assault in the second degree, plus misdemeanor charges of assault, unlawful assembly, obstruction of governmental administration and resisting arrest.

Last week, Zhuang expressed disappointment over the excessive force used by the NYPD, stating that there's no place for brutality or mistreatment of citizens by officers. He emphasized that police brutality is wrong and that the misuse of enforcement is equally unacceptable. Zhuang also condemned the act of physical violence against innocent citizens.

The Asian community has been subjected to excessive enforcement and mistreatment by our NYPD. It is crucial to put an end to any form of Asian hate.

At the time of her arrest, the council member stated that she was attempting to aid an elderly woman who was trapped in a barricade.

She claimed that she tried to help her, but two police officers handcuffed her, one pulling her hair and the other grabbing her neck.

Zhuang, during an interview with Fox 5, cried as she spoke about the 80-year-old woman she tried to save, who reminded her of her grandmother. She also showed her bruised arms.

A photo of Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo, who was bitten, revealed a bloodied mark that had deeply penetrated his skin.

During her arrest, Zhuang was protesting the construction of a homeless shelter in her southern Brooklyn district. Activists argued that it would harm public safety and advocated for affordable housing to be built on the site. The demonstration resulted in confrontations with the police, and Zhuang was accused of assaulting a deputy police chief.

If a council member in New York City is convicted of a felony, they are automatically expelled from the city council, as per state law. The expulsion is typically immediate, regardless of the severity or nature of the felony.

The city council has a system in place through the Committee on Standards and Ethics to investigate and recommend disciplinary actions against members involved in misconduct, even if they are not convicted of a felony.

"NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell stated at a press conference that Councilwoman Zhuang has been a valuable ally to the department for many years. However, he expressed confusion about her sudden actions of violently biting a deputy chief during an assault."

Zhuang and the NYPD were contacted for comment.