A Democratic congressional nominee expected to join the House’s left-wing ‘Squad’ if elected in November was arrested Thursday during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the United Nations in New York City.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Democratic Socialist and nominee for New York’s heavily Democratic 13th Congressional District, was among protesters taken into custody as Netanyahu addressed the U.N. General Assembly.
The New York Police Department charged Avila Chevalier with disorderly conduct after demonstrators blocked an intersection near U.N. headquarters in Manhattan, according to Bloomberg. Avila Chevalier, who defeated longtime Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the June primary, has made opposition to U.S. support for Israel a major component of her campaign.
She defended her participation in Thursday’s demonstration following her arrest. “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,” Avila Chevalier said in a statement. “Netanyahu belongs at the Hague: not in the streets of New York City, and certainly not addressing the United Nations General Assembly,” she added.
Her characterization of Netanyahu reflects her position on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Netanyahu and the Israeli government strongly reject allegations that Israel’s military campaign constitutes genocide or that its military deliberately targets civilians.
Avila Chevalier was not the only political figure arrested during the demonstration. New York City Councilman Chi Ossé was also taken into custody, along with several prominent activists and entertainers. Video from the demonstration showed police arresting Avila Chevalier, Ossé and comedian Caleb Hearon.
Actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were among others arrested during the demonstration. Former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and biological male Chelsea Manning was also reportedly taken into custody. The demonstration drew hundreds of people to the area surrounding the United Nations as Netanyahu delivered his address.
An NYPD spokesperson said officers responded to an “unscheduled demonstration” in which protesters were blocking an intersection. Police said members of the department’s Community Affairs Bureau repeatedly warned demonstrators that they needed to leave the roadway.
“They continued to block the intersection,” the NYPD spokesperson said. “Multiple individuals who didn’t comply were taken into custody.” Avila Chevalier had indicated before her arrest that she was prepared to remain at the demonstration even if police ordered protesters to disperse, according to the Washington Examiner.
Thursday’s protest coincided with Netanyahu’s closely watched U.N. address, during which the Israeli leader defended his country’s conduct and sharply rejected allegations surrounding Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Netanyahu also directed criticism toward New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has repeatedly accused the Israeli government of genocide and previously said Netanyahu should be arrested if he traveled to New York. “Accusing Israel of genocide is the greatest lie of the century,” Netanyahu said during his speech.
