‘Squad’ Congressional Candidate Arrested by NYPD During Anti-Israel Stunt

A Democratic congressional nominee from New York was arrested Thursday during a large protest outside the United Nations as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly. Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Democratic nominee for New York’s 13th Congressional District, was among dozens of protesters taken into custody near U.N. headquarters in Manhattan. Reuters confirmed that at least 30 people, including politicians and entertainers, were arrested.

Avila Chevalier had already emerged as a prominent figure on New York’s progressive left after defeating five-term Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the June primary. Her primary victory followed an endorsement from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and support from the Democratic Socialists of America.

Thursday’s demonstration was organized around opposition to Netanyahu and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Protesters gathered near the U.N. before and during the Israeli leader’s appearance. The source report said roughly 250 people participated in the demonstration, while other accounts placed participation higher.

Avila Chevalier publicly defended her decision to participate in the protest and accused Netanyahu of committing war crimes.

“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,” she said.

She added, “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.” Those allegations reflect Avila Chevalier’s position on the conflict. Israel has rejected accusations that its military campaign constitutes genocide and says its operations are directed against Hamas.

The dispute comes amid continuing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and of U.S. military support for Israel.

Avila Chevalier was not the only elected official or political figure detained.

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New York City Council member Chi Ossé was also arrested during the demonstration, according to multiple reports.

Ossé criticized American financial support for Israel, saying, “I’m sick and tired of my taxpayer dollars going towards an active genocide.”

A number of entertainers and activists were also taken into custody.

Video of the moment congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, New York City Council Member Chi Ossé and comedian Caleb Hearon were arrested by NYPD while protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's UNGA speech today. pic.twitter.com/Oe5OEb5t2A

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Reuters reported that actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were among those arrested.

CBS New York also reported arrests involving activist Chelsea Manning and comedian Caleb Hearon.

The protest occurred as Netanyahu used his U.N. appearance to defend Israel’s conduct and push back against accusations surrounding the Gaza war.

Before the speech, he said he intended to challenge what his government considers false claims about Israel’s military campaign.

For Avila Chevalier, the arrest also highlights an issue that has been central to her political rise.

Her opposition to U.S. support for Israel was a significant part of her congressional campaign and helped distinguish her from Espaillat during the Democratic primary.

Her victory over the incumbent was part of a broader series of 2026 primary wins by democratic socialist candidates in New York, several of whom received Mamdani’s backing.

Avila Chevalier is now campaigning in the November general election to represent New York’s 13th Congressional District, which includes portions of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.

Thursday’s arrest places her activism on the Israel-Gaza conflict back at the center of attention as the midterm election approaches.