New York City – Democratic nominee Darializa Avila Chevalier, 32, was arrested Thursday while protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly. The incident occurred at the intersection of 1st Avenue and 39th Street in Manhattan, where dozens of demonstrators had gathered to block a roadway.
Protest turns into mass arrests
According to City & State New York, roughly 250 protesters assembled at the corner, demanding an end to U.S. military aid that they say fuels the conflict in Gaza. Police began making arrests after a group of demonstrators sitting in the street refused to move. Avila Chevalier was among the first taken into custody.
In a social‑media post, the candidate wrote, “Darializa was just arrested while peacefully protesting Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations. Our government has unlimited funds to arm a genocide against Palestinians but tells us there’s nothing left to feed and house our own people. Stop arming Israel!”
Other elected officials detained
City Council members Chi Ossé and Alexa Avilés were also arrested, and The Daily Mail reported actress Susan Sarandon was among those detained. Outlets estimate that 80 to 100 protesters who refused police orders remained at the demonstration and were ultimately arrested.
Candidate’s response
Avila Chevalier defended her actions, stating, “Netanyahu belongs at the Hague: not in the streets of New York City, and certainly not addressing the United Nations General Assembly.” The statement, reported by Bloomberg, underscores her long‑standing pro‑Palestinian activism.
Background on the candidate
Avila Chevalier pulled off a major Democratic primary upset in June, defeating five‑term incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the heavily Democratic 13th District, which covers Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and received backing from the organization’s New York City chapter.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly endorsed Avila Chevalier in late May, praising her commitment to working‑class New Yorkers and promising to work together on an affordability agenda. The candidate has also led previous pro‑Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University and helped launch the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) campaign, which has faced criticism for controversial social‑media posts.
Official response
Fox News reached out to Avila Chevalier’s campaign for comment but did not receive an immediate reply. The NYPD directed the outlet to its public‑information line but declined to provide further details about the arrests.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions in New York City over U.S. foreign‑policy positions and the role of local elected officials in national debates.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
