Zhuang Wenyi returns to 86th Street after charges dropped, vows to continue fighting to the end.

Brooklyn’s 43rd District Council Member Zhuang Wenyi, who was indicted last July for allegedly biting a police officer during protests against the planned homeless shelter construction on 86th Street, saw the criminal charges against her unconditionally dropped. On April 13th, she returned to the protest site alongside State Senator Chen Xueli, the chief of staff of State Assembly member Coton, Hugh Lining, and numerous supporters to express her gratitude to the community for their persistence and support. She vowed to continue fighting for the community’s rights until the end.

Standing in front of the proposed homeless shelter site on 86th Street, Zhuang Wenyi delivered an emotional speech, stating that even though her criminal case has concluded, the resistance is not over. “I will always stand with our community and will resist unfair and unreasonable policies to the end,” she emphasized. She stressed that the opposition to the shelter location is not directed at any specific group but is based on legitimate concerns for community safety.

“Some say we are against Black people, against the homeless, but what we are opposing is imposing such facilities on 86th Street, which is unfair to our community,” she said. Zhuang urged more Chinese people to register to vote and participate in Democratic primaries to have a political voice and change the current unequal distribution of resources. “Our voter turnout is only 14%, while other ethnic groups have a 37% turnout; that’s why we have been continually disregarded.”

Zhuang Wenyi also expressed appreciation for the 271-day-long commitment of volunteers and supporters, calling it one of the longest protest movements in New York history, lasting longer than many civil rights movements. She disclosed that despite the dismissal of the criminal case, she still faces civil lawsuits filed by involved police officers demanding compensation, indicating that legal troubles are ongoing.

State Senator Chen Xueli voiced his support for Zhuang Wenyi on the scene, stating, “Today, Southern Brooklyn is a strong place where no one can bully us; we need more heroes like Zhuang Wenyi.” He also announced the official endorsement of Zhuang Wenyi’s reelection campaign on behalf of the New York Conservative Party.

Hugh Lining, the chief of staff for State Assembly member Coton, recalled the arrests of nine individuals during the protest on July 17th last year, describing it as a “painful and glorious” memory. “Today, we have fulfilled our promise, with all nine arrestees released unharmed and without charges,” he emotionally expressed. “Zhuang Wenyi was at the forefront, bearing personal and family pressures; without her sacrifices, today’s situation would not have been possible.”

Huang Qiwang, the president of the Bensonhurst Chinese Merchants Association, which assists the prosperous Eighth Avenue community, also attended the event. He thanked the Eighth Avenue, Eighteenth Avenue, and 86th Street communities on behalf of their unity and perseverance over more than 200 days in an unprecedented testament of community solidarity.

Zhuang Wenyi concluded by emphasizing, “Only through our collective efforts to increase voter turnout can we ultimately change the reality. If one day the homeless shelter construction is truly halted, we will bring roast duck here to celebrate together!”