In a surprising turn of events, NYPD Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo has taken legal action against New York City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang following a biting incident during a protest. Despite criminal charges being dropped, DiGiacomo has chosen to pursue justice through the Brooklyn Supreme Court.
The incident took place during a “Residents Against Homeless Shelters” protest in Gravesend. The community rallied against the disruptive noise caused by the construction of a shelter intended for 150 homeless men. Amidst the tensions, Zhuang allegedly bit DiGiacomo as he attempted to arrest another protestor pushing against police barricades. This startling event was caught on camera.
BREAKING: NYC Councilwoman Susan Zhuang (D) caught on video BITING an NYPD officer
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness)
July 18, 2024
The bite inflicted by Zhuang reportedly broke the skin, leaving cuts and tooth marks on DiGiacomo’s arm. As a precaution, the officer underwent treatment with an “anti-viral cocktail” and received a tetanus shot.
According to The New York Post:
Before the criminal case was dropped, Zhuang, 39, and DiGiacomo met as part of a “restorative justice” program, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.
The face-to-face and ultimate dismissal of the criminal charges was “based on the wishes of the victim and the defendant’s willingness to make amends,” Brooklyn DA spokesman Oren Yaniv said in a statement at the time.
“This case was resolved through a restorative justice process that created space for dialogue, accountability, and healing,” touted the statement.
Despite this attempt at reconciliation, DiGiacomo remains firm in his lawsuit, accusing Zhuang of negligence and claiming the incident left him “permanently injured” and suffering from significant “trauma and distress,” as detailed in court records.
