New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the arrest of New York City Council Member Chi Ossé while protesting the eviction of one of his constituents
Videos posted on social media show an NYPD officer grabbing Ossé and throwing him to the ground before placing him in handcuffs and taking him into custody(Image: 200jaba/Instagram)
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the arrest of New York City Council Member Chi Ossé while protesting the eviction of one of his constituents.
Ossé, a democratic socialist and close ally of Mmadani, was seen blocking authorities from entering a residence in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, where a constituent was set to be evicted.
Videos posted on social media show an NYPD officer grabbing Ossé and throwing him to the ground before placing him in handcuffs and taking him into custody. In the background, fellow protesters can be heard telling the officers, “what are you doing?”
READ MORE: Barack Obama’s hilarious joke at NYC Mayor Mamdani’s expense as they defy TrumpREAD MORE: Zohran Mamdani declares himself team Cardi B over Nicki Minaj after MAGA moves
“Mother—-, that’s a Councilmember, what the f— are you doing?” another protester can be heard screaming in the background. “You’re going to be all over the national news tonight.”
Speaking at a press conference, Mamdani said the arrest was “incredibly concerning to hear.”
Ossé, a democratic socialist and close ally of Mmadani, was seen blocking authorities from entering a residence in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, where a constituent was set to be evicted(Image: Laura Brett/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)
“That’s exactly something that we’re going to follow up on, not just on the nature of this arrest, but also what was the underlying issue that was being protested,” Mamdani said. “I know he’s been on the front lines of fighting deed theft. It’s especially prevalent in his Council district, and I appreciate, frankly, the efforts that he’s led in the past on ensuring that this is front of mind for all of us.”
A statement posted from the council member’s office said Ossé was being held and processed at the 79th Precinct in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
“We encourage you to show up to the precinct to call for his release and support the Black homeowners whose homes are being stolen through deed theft,” the statement read.
Deed theft is a fraudulent scheme in which a person takes ownership of a home without the original owner’s knowledge or approval. The state attorney general’s office says the crime has become increasingly common in recent years.
According to USA Today, deed theft can include fabricating the homeowner’s signature, or fraud, in which the homeowner is unaware of the document they are signing.
According to USA Today, deed theft can include fabricating the homeowner’s signature, or fraud, in which the homeowner is unaware of the document they are signing(Image: Getty Images)
“Black displacement is happening right now in Bed-Stuy and Carmella is one of many Black homeowners battling deed theft in Brooklyn,” a statement from Ossé’s office announcing his arrest read.
“For months, our office has pushed for an eviction moratorium for homeowners facing deed theft,” the statement read. “These protections are the bare minimum, and families cannot wait any longer. Not another Black homeowner should have their home stolen. Until deed theft ends, we will fight every single day.”
Local lawmakers were quick to show support for Ossé, including City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who said she was in contact with the NYPD to make sure he is released promptly.
“I’ve just seen the concerning videos of my colleague @CMChiOsse being aggressively pushed to the ground and arrested during a protest, where he was standing up for one of his constituents facing deed theft,” Menin wrote on X. “We’re in touch with his office and the NYPD to ensure he is safe and quickly released.”
The NYPD did not immediately comment on Ossé’s arrest.