State Watch

New York City council member arrested during eviction protest

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by Ryan Mancini - 04/22/26 11:13 PM ET

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by Ryan Mancini - 04/22/26 11:13 PM ET

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New York City Council member Chi Ossé (D) was arrested on Wednesday during a protest to stop a city resident from being evicted from her home.

Ossé was later released, telling reporters outside the New York City Police Department’s 79th Precinct that three men “manhandled” him, The Gothamist reported.

“It takes a lot to lift me off the ground, but they were able to do so,” he added, according to the outlet. “They slammed me against the concrete. … My face is sore, and I do feel a little loopy and dizzy.”

Ossé’s office said in a statement that the council member was arrested “defending his constituent, Carmella Charrington, from eviction after six decades in her home.”

“Black displacement is happening right now in Bed-Stuy and Carmella is one of many Black homeowners battling deed theft in Brooklyn,” the statement reads, referring to the city’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

“For months, our office has pushed for an eviction moratorium for homeowners facing deed theft,” Ossé’s office said. “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.”

A New York City Police spokesperson told The Gothamist that the city sheriff’s office and marshals went to the residence to issue an “eviction and mental health warrant.” One resident refused entry. Four people, including Ossé, were arrested.

Police added that Ossé and the three others were given desk appearance tickets for allegedly obstructing government administration and disorderly conduct.

New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) said she was “deeply disturbed” by videos circulating online of Ossé’s 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,” she said in a post on the social platform X.

Ossé in mid-November sought to challenge House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) with a long-shot congressional campaign. He failed to receive support from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), of which he is a member. Ossé also faced opposition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D), another DSA member, who said the focus should be on affordability.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) also opposed Ossé’s attempt to challenge Jeffries, echoing Mamdani. Ossé dropped his House bid in early December.

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