New York City Councilmember Chi Ossé has filed a misconduct complaint against a New York Police Department officer who arrested him during a protest in Brooklyn last month, escalating tensions between elected officials and the city’s police department.
The complaint, filed Monday with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), alleges that the officer used excessive force during Ossé’s April 22 arrest while he and several others were protesting the planned eviction of a Bedford-Stuyvesant woman who claimed she was the victim of deed theft.
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The CCRB confirmed that it has received the complaint and is reviewing the allegations.
Ossé, a democratic socialist and political ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, said he believes his civil rights were violated during the incident.
“My rights were violated, but more importantly, my responsibility to my community and constituents demands a fact-finding,” Ossé said, adding that he suffered a concussion after being thrown to the ground.
The New York City Police Department declined to comment on the complaint. The department has previously stated that Ossé and three other protesters were arrested after refusing verbal commands to stop blocking access to the property where city marshals were attempting to carry out the eviction.
Video circulated on social media appears to show Ossé attempting to intervene as officers arrested another protester. An officer then grabbed the councilmember by his jacket collar, tackled him to the ground, and placed him in handcuffs.
Ossé was transported to Brooklyn’s 79th Precinct and charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration. He was later released with a desk appearance ticket.
A spokesperson for Mayor Mamdani, who previously described footage of the arrest as “incredibly concerning,” said the mayor would allow the independent disciplinary process to proceed based on the evidence and established procedures.
The case presents a politically sensitive challenge for Mamdani, who has long criticized the NYPD. Support for Ossé could strain relations with police leadership, while a more restrained response could frustrate allies on the political left.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, defended the officer and criticized the CCRB.
“This officer was clearly acting within the law and NYPD guidelines when effecting the arrest,” Hendry said.
The officer named in the complaint, Ahmed Zaitoun, joined the NYPD in October 2022. Personnel records indicate he has previously faced two excessive-force complaints, both from 2024, which the CCRB determined were unfounded.
Following Ossé’s arrest, the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James said its review found no evidence of deed theft involving the Bedford-Stuyvesant property.
Ossé’s arrest also drew criticism from Julie Menin, who attended a protest outside the precinct where he was detained.
“When I saw the video, it’s obviously of deep concern,” Menin said. “He was thrown to the ground and sustained injuries. That is not acceptable. He was peacefully protesting.”
