On the morning of October 15th, Brooklyn City Council member Linda Lee appeared in court again, facing charges stemming from a July protest against a homeless shelter on 86th Street. Outside the Kings County Criminal Court, nearly a hundred supporters gathered, waving flags and holding signs to show their solidarity with Lee. The court announced that the hearing would be postponed until January 27 of next year.

Lee is facing serious charges, including felony assault for allegedly biting the arm of NYPD’s Deputy Inspector Frank DiGiacomo during the protest. She has also been accused of obstructing government administration, engaging in an unlawful assembly, and disorderly conduct. In addition to the criminal charges, the Committee on Standards and Ethics is conducting an investigation into her conduct as a council member. During her first appearance in court, Lee pleaded not guilty.

As the supporters rallied outside the courthouse, many expressed their gratitude for Lee’s long-standing commitment to advocating for the Asian community. Chen Weifen, a local resident who has been actively involved in community issues, remarked on Lee’s tireless efforts to be a voice for the Asian population. “She helps the community, so we need to support her,” she stated.

Residents began to gather outside the courthouse at 8:30 AM, with community organizations even providing transportation for seniors. Participants shared that they had organized through WeChat groups and community organizations, indicating a grassroots effort to show support for Lee.

The atmosphere outside the courthouse, which had heavy police presence from 8 AM to prevent any traffic disruption, was filled with enthusiasm for the cause. Residents like He Bingwu emphasized Lee’s significant contributions to the community, saying, “She’ll stop at nothing to serve the community. We hope she will find justice.”

Despite the cold weather looming ahead, the protest has entered its 91st day, with residents committing to show up daily, taking turns from early morning until night. Some even rearranged their personal and work commitments to lend support. However, there are concerns about how the approaching colder weather might affect older participants’ health.

After the hearing, which was postponed until January 27, Lee released a statement thanking her supporters and expressing pride in the unity of the community. She reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for the often-overlooked Asian community, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

The opposition to the shelter has been brewing since last year, as the proposed site is located in the commercial district of the community and adjacent to schools and senior centers, creating growing anxiety among residents. Following a protest on July 1 demanding the removal of scaffolding around the proposed site, tensions rose with the developers, leading to confrontations. Police were called in, and on July 17, clashes broke out, resulting in Lee and seven others being arrested, although seven have since been released without charges.