NYC Councilman Chi Ossé among several arrested during demonstration in Brooklyn
BEDFORD STUYVESANT, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A New York City councilman was thrown to the ground and arrested while he says he was trying to protect a constituent on Wednesday morning.
Chi Ossé was among multiple people arrested during a demonstration around 7:30 a.m. along Jefferson and Nostrand avenues.
Ossé said he was there to defend his constituent, Carmella Charrington, from eviction by the Department of Finance and the NYC Sheriff's Office.
He said the eviction is a result of deed theft and the ongoing displacement of Black homeowners in Bed-Stuy.
Charrington's family has owned her home on Jefferson Avenue since the 1940s and has been fighting the deed theft of her home for more than a year.
It's not yet clear how many people were arrested.
Ossé is being charged with obstruction of governmental administration and two counts of disorderly conduct. He will receive a desk appearance ticket and be released pending a future court date.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani was asked about the arrest at an unrelated event on Wednesday morning. He said it was concerning.
"That's something we are going to follow up on, not only the nature of this arrest, but also what was the underlying issues that are being protested," Mamdani said. "I know he has been on the front lines of fighting deed theft, it's especially prevalent in his council district and I appreciate frankly the efforts he had in the past in ensuring it is front of mind for all of us."
Council speaker Julie Menin said they are in touch with his office and the NYPD to ensure he is safe and quickly released.
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