Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Democratic nominee for New York’s heavily Democratic 13th Congressional District, was arrested Thursday during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu near United Nations headquarters.
Avila Chevalier was among more than 100 demonstrators reportedly taken into custody after protesters blocked streets near the Manhattan complex as Netanyahu prepared to address the UN General Assembly.
The demonstration, organized by the anti-Israel group Jewish Voice for Peace, drew approximately 250 participants, including elected officials, political candidates and entertainers.
Police began making arrests after protesters blocked a road leading toward the UN and refused orders to move, according to City & State New York. Specific charges against Avila Chevalier were not immediately announced.
“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.
She also accused the U.S. government of using taxpayer dollars to support Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Avila Chevalier defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) in the Democratic primary earlier this year. She received support from the Democratic Socialists of America and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during the campaign.
The district covers portions of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx and overwhelmingly favors Democrats, leaving Avila Chevalier heavily favored to win the November general election. If elected, she would become the first Dominican woman to serve in Congress.
Her platform includes ending US military assistance to Israel, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, establishing government-run health care and expanding federal housing programs.
Avila Chevalier is expected to align with the House’s far-left “Squad” if elected, though she is not currently a member of Congress or the informal progressive group.
New York City Council members Chi Ossé, Alexa Avilés and Jennifer Gutiérrez were also arrested during the protest. New York Assembly member Emily Gallagher was reportedly taken into custody as well.
“I’m sick and tired of my taxpayer dollars going towards an active genocide,” Ossé said before his arrest.
Actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning and comedian Caleb Hearon were among the other prominent demonstrators detained by police.
Netanyahu used his UN address to defend Israel’s military operations and reject accusations that the country has committed genocide in Gaza. Israel maintains that its forces target Hamas terrorists and accuses the organization of operating among civilians, according to Trending Politics.
The war began after Hamas-led terrorists attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. Israel subsequently launched a large-scale military campaign in Gaza.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024 over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, accusations he and the Israeli government deny. Neither the US nor Israel recognizes the court’s jurisdiction.
Mamdani previously said he would have Netanyahu arrested if the Israeli leader entered New York. The mayor later acknowledged that the city lacks the legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant and called on the federal government to act instead.
Avila Chevalier’s arrest places renewed attention on her foreign-policy positions as she campaigns to join Congress in January.
