Chi Ossé was among four people arrested during a demonstration around 7:30 a.m. along Jefferson and Nostrand avenues.
The councilman has been protesting deed theft and other controversial real estate deals robbing longtime residents of their generational wealth.
Ossé said he was there to defend his constituent, Carmella Charrington, from eviction by the Department of Finance and the NYC Sheriff's Office.
"The marshals had the warrant for the eviction and the sheriff has a warrant for my father," Charrington said. "They broke into the house. They broke into the room and start going all through the house."
Charrington is embroiled in a legal dispute with real estate spectators about who owns the property that her family has owned for six decades.
When officials went to evict her on Wednesday morning, protesters, including Ossé, blocked the building's entrance.
Officials say Ossé is accused of pushing past officers to block the legal eviction of the property. Police say he physically resisted officers, "appearing to flail his arms and hands to prevent officers from restraining him."
With no room to maneuver Ossé, as he was against the gate of the house, officers said they had to "maneuver him and end up taking him down for arrest, as is within guidelines for making an arrest for someone committing obstruction of governmental administration."
"I was manhandled by three men," the councilman said. "They slammed me against the concrete, I believe there was a knee against my back at some point."
Ossé is being charged with obstruction of governmental administration and two counts of disorderly conduct. He was released from the police precinct with a desk appearance ticket.
He said the others arrested remain in custody and he called for their swift release.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani was asked about the arrest at an unrelated event on Wednesday morning. He said it was concerning.
"I have seen the concerning footage of Council Member Chi Ossé's arrest earlier today and am in touch with Commissioner Tisch about the nature of the arrest," Mamdani said. "It is a pleasure to work alongside Council Member Ossé, a leader in his community and a partner in building a safer and more affordable New York City. I am grateful he is out of custody."
Attorney General Letitia James said she is disturbed by videos of the arrest.
"My office is leading the fight to keep New Yorkers in their homes, and we have been in contact with the resident of this home for over a year to offer guidance and advice on her legal battle," James said in a statement.
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