WASHINGTON (TNND) — New York City Council Member Chi Ossé was arrested Wednesday while participating in a protest regarding an eviction of one of his constituents, according to the New York City Police Department.
Video footage posted to Ossé’s X page shows him and other protesters blocking police officers trying to get to the residence.
“Council Member Chi Ossé was just arrested while defending his constituent, Carmella Charrington, from eviction,” Ossé’s post reads. “This is the result of deed theft and the ongoing displacement of Black homeowners in Bed-Stuy. Our office is closely monitoring this situation and will provide updates as this develops.”
One of Ossé’s aides told the Politico news outlet that the politician was being held at a police precinct in Bedford-Stuyvesant after his arrest.
Ossé is an ally of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who called his arrest “concerning.”
“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 during a press conference. “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.”
Mamdani said Tuesday afternoon that Ossé was released from custody.
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“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,” he wrote on X. “I am grateful he is out of custody.”