Avila Chevalier arrested at anti-Netanyahu protest in New York

New York congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier (D) was arrested Thursday, according to reports, during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations.

Avila Chevalier, who is all but assured to win Rep. Adriano Espaillat’s (D-N.Y.) blue House seat after besting him in this year’s primary , was among roughly 250 protesters who had gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan, including elected officials, candidates and celebrities, according to reports.

“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 on her arrest 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.”

Actor Hannah Einbinder, whistleblower Chelsea Manning and comedian Caleb Hearon were also detained by the New York Police Department, according to The Guardian .

“I’m sick and tired of my taxpayer dollars going towards an active genocide,” New York City Council member Chi Ossé told PIX 11 , which reported that he was also taken into custody alongside Avila Chevalier.

The Hill has reached out to the New York Police Department for more information on the arrests.

Avila Chevalier, backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D), was among multiple democratic socialist candidates who saw success in their primaries this cycle. In her race against Espaillat in the 13th Congressional District, she called for an end to U.S. support for Israel.