New York congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier was arrested on Thursday during a protest in Manhattan against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations, according to reports.
Avila Chevalier, a Democrat who is expected to win the heavily Democratic 13th Congressional District seat after defeating incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in this year’s primary, was among about 250 protesters gathered outside the UN headquarters.
The demonstration attracted elected officials, political candidates and celebrities who opposed Netanyahu’s appearance at the United Nations.
Speaking about her arrest, Avila Chevalier said she was unwilling to remain silent over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
“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 to City & State New York.
“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.”
The New York Police Department also detained actor Hannah Einbinder, whistleblower Chelsea Manning and comedian Caleb Hearon, according to The Guardian.
New York City Council member Chi Ossé was also reportedly taken into custody during the demonstration.
“I’m sick and tired of my taxpayer dollars going towards an active genocide,” Ossé told PIX 11.
Avila Chevalier’s arrest comes after a closely watched Democratic primary campaign in which she defeated Espaillat in the 13th Congressional District.
She received backing from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and was among several democratic socialist candidates who performed strongly in Democratic primaries this election cycle.
During her campaign against Espaillat, Avila Chevalier called for an end to US support for Israel.
The protest took place as Netanyahu addressed the UN, drawing demonstrations from activists and political figures opposed to Israel’s actions in Gaza and US support for the Israeli government.
