On October 15, New York City Councilmember Julie Won appeared in Kings County Criminal Court for another hearing regarding allegations stemming from a demonstration against a proposed homeless shelter on 86th Street in July. Outside the courthouse, nearly a hundred supporters gathered, waving flags and holding signs in her defense.

Councilmember Won is facing felony charges for allegedly biting the arm of NYPD Assistant Chief Frank DiGiacomo during the protest. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 27, 2024. Among the crowd, Brooklyn resident Chen Weifen expressed her appreciation for Won’s long-standing advocacy for the Asian community, stating, “She has helped the community, so now it’s our turn to support her.”

The gathering began early, with police deploying officers around 8 AM at the intersection of Johnson Street and Jay Street, erecting barriers to prevent the crowd from blocking traffic. Community members, including seniors, arrived on buses organized by local organizations. Participants mentioned they coordinated through WeChat groups and community organizations to organize this show of support.

Echoing the sentiments of many attendees, resident He Bingwu remarked on Won’s significant contributions and unwavering dedication to the community. “She has been a powerful force for us,” he said. Another protester who was arrested alongside Won during the July demonstration noted that the protests have been ongoing for 91 days. Many people have committed their time, even rearranging work and family schedules, to continue the fight on behalf of the community.

In a statement following the hearing, Won expressed gratitude for the community’s support and pride in their solidarity, affirming her commitment to amplifying the voices of the overlooked Asian community to ensure their needs are heard and respected.

The protest against the homeless shelter has been intensifying since it was first proposed last year, as residents fear for the impact on their commercial district, which is close to schools and elderly centers. Tensions escalated following a protest on July 1 when the community demanded the removal of scaffolding. On July 17, clashes between community members, councilmembers, and the police resulted in eight arrests, including Won, of which seven were subsequently released without charges.