Brooklyn Councilmember Chi Ossé Released After Arrest at Bed-Stuy Protest

Yisroel R.

Brooklyn Councilmember Chi Ossé was released from police custody Wednesday afternoon after being arrested earlier in the day during a protest in Bedford-Stuyvesant over a disputed eviction tied to alleged deed theft.

The incident unfolded outside a home on Jefferson Avenue, where demonstrators had gathered to oppose what supporters described as an unjust eviction. During the protest, officers moved in to clear the scene, and Ossé was taken into custody. Video from the scene shows the councilmember being brought to the ground as police attempted to restrain him.

Authorities said Ossé was charged with obstruction of governmental administration, along with two counts of disorderly conduct. He was issued a desk appearance ticket and released from the 79th Precinct a few hours later.

After his release, Ossé spoke to reporters and said he was unjustly arrested in a violent manner. He stated that he did not assault any officers and indicated he plans to file a complaint regarding the incident. Ossé also framed the protest as part of a broader fight against displacement and gentrification in New York City.

Zohran Mamdani addressed the arrest later in the day, saying the footage he reviewed was “incredibly concerning.” He added that the city would be looking into both the circumstances of the arrest and the underlying housing dispute that led to the protest.