NYPD chief suing councilwoman who bit him at protest despite ‘healing’ meeting

New York Post - Apr 19th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Brooklyn Councilwoman Susan Zhuang may face a civil lawsuit after criminal charges were dismissed for allegedly biting NYPD Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo during a protest. Despite participating in a restorative justice meeting leading to the dismissal of her criminal case, DiGiacomo has pursued a lawsuit for negligence, claiming permanent injury and trauma. The incident occurred during a protest against a homeless shelter in Bensonhurst, where Zhuang reportedly bit DiGiacomo's arm as he managed barricades.

This lawsuit, despite the restorative justice outcome, underscores ongoing tensions between protestors and law enforcement in New York City. It highlights the complexities of protest-related incidents and the varied legal pathways they can take. The civil proceedings could further impact Zhuang’s political career and public perception, raising questions about accountability and the balance between law enforcement duties and protestor rights. The outcome may influence future interactions between city officials and police in protest scenarios.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively reports on a recent legal development involving a city councilwoman and a police officer, providing a clear and timely account of the incident and subsequent proceedings. Its strengths lie in its factual accuracy, public interest relevance, and readability. However, the story could benefit from greater balance and source quality by incorporating a wider range of perspectives and direct quotes from the involved parties. Transparency about legal processes and more detailed explanations of key terms would also enhance the story's clarity and trustworthiness. While the article covers a potentially controversial topic, its neutral presentation limits its potential to provoke significant debate or drive broader societal change.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the incident involving Councilwoman Susan Zhuang and NYPD Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo. It correctly states that Zhuang was involved in a biting incident during a protest, which led to criminal charges that were later dismissed. The article also accurately describes the restorative justice process that led to the dismissal of these charges, aligning with the Brooklyn DA's statement. However, while the story mentions DiGiacomo's civil lawsuit against Zhuang, it lacks specific details about the lawsuit's claims, such as the nature of the alleged negligence and the extent of DiGiacomo's injuries. Moreover, the story does not provide direct quotes or responses from the involved parties, which could enhance its factual depth.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the incident by detailing both the criminal and civil aspects of the case. It mentions Zhuang's defense that she was protecting an elderly protester, providing a counter-narrative to the accusations. However, the story could benefit from more perspectives, particularly from Zhuang or her legal team, to offer a fuller picture of her defense strategy. Additionally, while the article includes a statement from the Brooklyn DA's office, it does not feature comments from DiGiacomo or his lawyer, which limits the representation of his viewpoint.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, effectively conveying the main events and legal proceedings. The language is accessible, and the structure logically follows the progression of the case from criminal charges to civil lawsuit. However, the story could improve its clarity by providing more detailed explanations of legal terms and processes, such as 'restorative justice,' to ensure all readers understand the context. Additionally, including more background information on the protest and its significance could enhance the reader's comprehension.

6
Source quality

The article relies on official statements from the Brooklyn DA's office, which are credible sources for the legal proceedings. However, it lacks a diversity of sources, as it does not include direct comments from Zhuang, DiGiacomo, or their legal representatives. The absence of these perspectives limits the depth of the reporting and may affect the story's overall reliability. Including a wider range of sources, such as eyewitnesses or legal experts, could enhance the article's credibility.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context regarding the dismissal of criminal charges through a restorative justice process, but it lacks transparency in explaining the details of this process and its implications. The story does not clarify why the civil lawsuit is proceeding despite the criminal case's resolution, nor does it explore potential conflicts of interest or biases among the sources. Greater transparency about the basis for claims and the legal procedures involved would improve the article's clarity and trustworthiness.

Sources

  1. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/08/nyc-council-member-assault-charges-dismissed-00277914
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/susan-zhuang-charges-dropped-biting-nypd-officer/