NYC Councilman Chi Ossé Arrested After Being Thrown to Ground by NYPD at Anti-Eviction Protest

In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across New York City, Brooklyn Councilman Chi Ossé was forcefully arrested and thrown to the ground by NYPD officers during an anti-eviction protest in Bedford-Stuyvesant on Wednesday morning.

The Arrest That Shook Brooklyn

Ossé, who represents Bedford-Stuyvesant and part of Crown Heights, was taken into custody while defending his constituent, Carmella Charrington, from eviction after she had lived in her home for six decades. Video footage released by Ossé's office shows the disturbing confrontation unfolding at 212 Jefferson Avenue.

In the video, two officers can be seen grappling with the councilman as he repeatedly says, "Get off of me." The situation escalates dramatically when the officers push Ossé to the ground, with one officer kneeling on his back while placing him in handcuffs. The assembled crowd's horrified reactions are audible, with protesters screaming "What are you doing?" and "Shame!"

A Fight Against Deed Theft

This arrest wasn't just about a single eviction – it represents a broader battle against what advocates call "deed theft," a practice that has been displacing Black homeowners throughout Brooklyn. According to Ossé's office, Charrington's case is emblematic of a larger crisis affecting the community.

"Black displacement is happening right now in Bed-Stuy and Carmella is one of many Black homeowners battling deed theft in Brooklyn," Ossé's staff said in a statement. "For months, our office has pushed for an eviction moratorium for homeowners facing deed theft. These protections are the bare minimum, and families cannot wait any longer."

The Official Response

The NYPD's version of events paints a different picture. According to department officials, officers arrived on scene after city marshals called for backup due to protesters blocking entry to a home where they were under court order to carry out an eviction. The department claims protesters were given verbal warnings to leave, with the first arrest occurring more than an hour and a half after officers arrived.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the incident "incredibly concerning" and traveled to the 79th Precinct where Ossé was being held. The mayor praised Ossé's efforts in fighting deed theft, noting it's "especially prevalent in his Council district."

Charges and Release

Ossé was eventually released from custody and faces one count of obstructing governmental administration and two counts of disorderly conduct. He will receive a ticket for a desk appearance.

Speaking after his release, Ossé maintained his innocence and described the physical nature of his arrest: "I did not attack an officer. My hands were visible to the officers. I was manhandled by three men. It takes a lot to lift me off the ground, but they were able to do so. They slammed me against the concrete. I believe there was a knee on my back at some point."

Broader Implications

This incident highlights the growing tensions between activists fighting gentrification and displacement in historically Black neighborhoods and law enforcement. The arrest of an elected official while advocating for his constituents raises serious questions about the balance between maintaining order and protecting the rights of protesters and their representatives.

The councilman noted that four other people arrested alongside him remained in custody, emphasizing that this issue extends beyond his own treatment. His call for other elected officials to take action suggests this incident may catalyze broader political pressure for reform.

Moving Forward

Mayor Mamdani issued a statement expressing his gratitude that Ossé was released and emphasizing their working relationship: "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."

The incident has renewed pressure on Governor Kathy Hochul to implement an eviction moratorium in suspected deed theft cases, with elected officials using Ossé's arrest to underscore the urgency of the housing crisis facing Black homeowners in Brooklyn.

As this story continues to develop, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles over housing justice and the lengths to which some elected officials will go to protect their constituents from displacement.