New York City Council member Chi Ossé was arrested on Wednesday during a protest at a Bed-Stuy home where a city resident faced eviction after six decades of living there.
Ossé, a Democrat representing Brooklyn's 36th District, was released after being detained by police. He described being physically handled by officers, saying he was lifted off the ground and slammed against concrete, resulting in soreness and dizziness.
What the Right Is Saying
Law enforcement officials defended the actions of officers and sheriff's deputies executing what they described as a legal eviction warrant. A New York City Police spokesperson said the city sheriff's office and marshals went to the residence to issue an 'eviction and mental health warrant,' and that one resident refused entry.
Those supporting the enforcement of court-ordered evictions argue that due process must be followed regardless of how long someone has lived in a property. Property rights advocates note that legal warrants should be executed without interference, and that political figures intervening in enforcement matters could undermine the rule of law.
Critics of Ossé's activism note that he was opposing a court-ordered eviction, suggesting that elected officials should respect legal processes rather than physically obstructing law enforcement carrying out their duties.
What the Left Is Saying
Ossé's office issued a statement confirming he was 'defending his constituent, Carmella Charrington, from eviction after six decades in her home.' The statement emphasized that 'Black displacement is happening right now in Bed-Stuy' and characterized the case as part of a broader pattern of deed theft affecting Black homeowners in Brooklyn.
The council member's office noted they had 'pushed for an eviction moratorium for homeowners facing deed theft' for months, calling such protections 'the bare minimum.' The statement declared: 'Not another Black homeowner should have their home stolen. Until deed theft ends, we will fight every single day.'
New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, said she was 'deeply disturbed' by videos of Ossé's arrest. She stated her office had been in contact with the resident for 'over a year to offer guidance and advice on her legal battle' and emphasized that her office is 'leading the fight to keep New Yorkers in their homes.'
What the Numbers Show
The eviction involved a property in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, an area that has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past two decades. Census data shows Bed-Stuy's Black population declined by approximately 14% between 2010 and 2020 as housing costs rose across New York City.
New York City has seen a rise in deed theft scams targeting homeowners, particularly in neighborhoods with aging populations. The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has reported increased complaints related to property title fraud in recent years.
Ossé was among four people arrested during the incident. All were issued desk appearance tickets for allegedly obstructing government administration and disorderly conduct, minor violations that typically result in court appearances rather than immediate detention.
The council member previously sought to challenge House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a congressional primary but dropped his bid in early December after facing opposition from fellow Democratic Socialists of America members, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The Bottom Line
The arrest of a sitting city council member during an eviction protest highlights the tension between housing advocates pushing for tenant protections and law enforcement executing court-ordered removals. Ossé's office has called for an eviction moratorium for homeowners facing deed theft, a policy that would require action from the state legislature or city council.
Attorney General James's involvement signals ongoing legal efforts to address what advocates describe as predatory practices targeting vulnerable homeowners. The case of Carmetta Charrington, a 60-year resident, now becomes a focal point for discussions about housing displacement in Brooklyn.
What happens next: The four individuals arrested are scheduled to appear in court. Ossé's office is expected to continue advocating for legislation addressing deed theft and homeowner protections. The outcome of Charrington's legal battle remains unresolved.