RismadarVoice Reporters
September 24, 2026
Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Democratic nominee for New York’s 13th Congressional District, was arrested on Thursday during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu near the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Avila Chevalier was among protesters detained after demonstrators blocked a roadway near the UN ahead of Netanyahu’s address to the General Assembly.
Her campaign confirmed the arrest, saying she had joined the demonstration to protest Netanyahu’s appearance and US military support for Israel.
Photos and videos from the scene showed New York Police Department officers taking Avila Chevalier into custody alongside other demonstrators.
New York City Council members Chi Ossé and Alexa Avilés were also among those arrested during the demonstration.
The protest, organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, attracted about 250 people and took place roughly two blocks from the UN headquarters.
Avila Chevalier’s campaign used the incident to reiterate its opposition to US military support for Israel, arguing that federal resources should instead be directed towards domestic priorities including housing and food security.
Avila Chevalier became the Democratic nominee for New York’s 13th Congressional District after defeating longtime Representative Adriano Espaillat in the party’s June primary.
Her campaign has made opposition to US military aid to Israel a prominent issue, while also focusing on housing, healthcare, immigration and other domestic policies.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani backed Avila Chevalier during the Democratic primary and campaigned alongside her before her victory over Espaillat.
The arrest occurred as Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly amid protests outside the headquarters and opposition from some delegates inside the chamber.
Netanyahu used his address to defend Israel’s military campaign and reject accusations of genocide in Gaza.
The Israeli leader also criticised Mamdani, who has repeatedly condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Netanyahu had earlier accused the New York mayor of supporting Hamas, an allegation Mamdani has rejected.
Thursday’s demonstration was among several protests surrounding Netanyahu’s visit to New York for the UN General Assembly.
