A campaign aide for New York State Sen. Steve Chan was arrested Tuesday for allegedly striking a volunteer for Democratic opponent Larry He in the face, according to sources.
Liu Zhen, 73, who works for Chan, was arrested and charged with assault in the third degree. The incident occurred on 86th Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, where both campaigns had set up tables.
According to reports, Zhen allegedly walked over to He's campaign table and swiped at one of his volunteers. Video footage appears to show a woman, identified as Zhen, reaching over a table to strike someone.
Senator Chan stated that he had suspended Zhen, adding that she "definitely shouldn't have done that." However, Chan also claimed the alleged assault was a setup and that the fall of the rival volunteer was staged, asserting that "she didn't hurt anyone."
Zhen was issued a desk appearance ticket and subsequently released. The He campaign declined to comment on the incident.
This is not the first political clash in the area. Brooklyn Councilwoman Susan Zhuang, a Democrat who is backing He, previously faced assault charges for allegedly biting an NYPD detective during a protest at a planned homeless shelter site. Those charges were later dropped after she completed a restorative justice program.
