Supporters Donate $66K to Legal Defense Fund for Councilmember Who Bit Cop
Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D-Bensonhurst) — who bit a police officer during a protest against a forthcoming homeless shelter in her district — raised $66,601 from more than 221 supporters, according to a new quarterly filing with the city’s Conflict of Interest Board released Tuesday.
The money amassed by her legal defense fund since last fall will go towards helping Zhuang fight against a felony second-degree assault charge and several others that are pending in Brooklyn Supreme Court following a scuffle with police last summer. She’s due back in court on January 27.
Zhuang declined to comment on the fundraising.
While Zhuang, a right-leaning Democrat, bills herself as a firm ally of police who ran with the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association during her 2023 campaign, she’s since argued she and other protesters were treated unfairly by the NYPD when they rushed to the construction site of the proposed shelter early one July morning.
Video posted to social media showed the moment Zhuang bit the officer, which she has not denied doing. Rather, Zhuang has decried “police brutality” demanding, “all those involved should face full accountability for their conduct” at a press conference last summer where she was hailed as a hero by dozens of supporters.
Zhuang and her backers have said they were trying to free an elderly woman who had fallen under a police barricade when the scuffle erupted. Zhuang has also said an officer grabbed her hair and neck, though that appears to have happened after she bit the officer’s arm, according to video of the incident.
A photo released by the NYPD showed a bloody bite mark on the officer’s arm.
Droves of Zhuang’s supporters have attended her criminal hearings and even threw a parade in her honor.
Opposition to the homeless shelter, which would be the first in the southern Brooklyn district, drove some Asian American voters towards the Republican Party last fall, as part of their continued shift away from Democrats.
After the July incident, Zhuang also received a warm reception by Mayor Eric Adams who is also typically an ardent defender of the NYPD.
The City Council opened an ethics probe into Zhuang’s conduct, though the Council has said that probe is on hold until after her criminal case is resolved.
Correction: Due to a mathematical error, a previous version of this article stated that Zhuang’s legal defense fund raised $238,000 when in fact she raised $66,601.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s legal defense fund has received a significant boost from over 221 supporters, with a total of $66,601 raised. This demonstrates the strong support she has from her constituents, who believe in her actions and are willing to stand by her. As her criminal case continues, it is clear that her supporters will continue to rally around her, backing her up in the face of adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s legal defense fund?
A: The purpose of her legal defense fund is to help her fight against a felony second-degree assault charge and several others that are pending in Brooklyn Supreme Court following a scuffle with police last summer.
Q: How much was raised for Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s legal defense fund?
A: According to a new quarterly filing with the city’s Conflict of Interest Board, $66,601 was raised from more than 221 supporters.
Q: What is the outcome of the City Council’s ethics probe into Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s conduct?
A: The City Council has opened an ethics probe into Zhuang’s conduct, but it is currently on hold until after her criminal case is resolved.
