A New York Democrat poised to join the House’s left flank alongside the Squad was arrested Thursday while protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s United Nations speech, according to reports.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, who defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary for New York’s heavily blue 13th Congressional District, was among those taken into custody outside the U.N.’s Manhattan headquarters.
The arrest came after a primary campaign in which Avila Chevalier pushed to cut off U.S. support for Israel. Backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, she was one of several democratic socialist candidates to score primary victories this cycle and is heavily favored to win in November.
Roughly 250 people gathered for the demonstration, with politicians and entertainers among the crowd, according to reports.
Avila Chevalier defended her participation in a statement to City & State New York, accusing Netanyahu of war crimes.
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“As the Democratic Nominee for New York’s 13th Congressional District, I refuse to allow a war criminal to roam the streets of our city unchallenged,” she said.
“I refuse to play host to a man who has overseen the slaughter or injury of more than 64,000 children in Gaza with American taxpayer dollars.”
New York City Council member Chi Ossé was also arrested alongside Avila Chevalier, PIX11 reported. He accused the United States of financing genocide through its support for Israel.
“I’m sick and tired of my taxpayer dollars going towards an active genocide,” Ossé told the station.
The detentions extended beyond the political ranks. Actor Hannah Einbinder, whistleblower Chelsea Manning and comedian Caleb Hearon were also taken into custody by New York police, according to The Guardian.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
