By tf-lawyer.com Following the completion of his court case, Thanh Nguyen made his way to the protesting scene on 86th Street to express his gratitude to the supporters. Among those present to congratulate him were Chen Xue-li, a candidate for state senator, William Colton’s Chief of Staff He Li-ning, and the president of the Huakang Association, Chen Li-na.
Thanh Nguyen, a Vietnamese restaurant owner, was arrested during a protest against the construction of a homeless shelter on 86th Street in Brooklyn back in July. On the 25th, he appeared in Kings County Criminal Court, where due to a fire drill disrupting proceedings, his case was dismissed without a criminal record. The news sparked jubilation among the protestors at the scene, who were quick to thank Nguyen for his commitment to the community.
At 9 AM that day, Thanh and his wife entered the courthouse, anticipating the hearing. However, the unexpected fire drill interrupted the court’s activities, only allowing lawyers inside. As Thanh and his supporters waited in line for security check, his attorney, David Lynch, delivered the good news that the court had dismissed the charges after filing the necessary documents, confirming that he would have no criminal record. Overjoyed, Thanh exchanged high-fives with his lawyer before leaving the courthouse. He had faced charges of assaulting a police officer and obstructing government operations after a confrontation with police during the protest. The judge had previously ruled that the charges would be dropped if Thanh did not engage in any criminal activity before the next court date.
Reflecting on his feelings leading to court, Thanh expressed calmness, stating he considered himself a law-abiding citizen who was only trying to help the community at the time of his arrest. His lawyer mentioned that despite the legal process being prolonged due to the charges stemming from contact with the police, substantial photographic and video evidence, combined with Thanh’s clean record and status as a community representative, validated his intentions.
The community support at the courthouse included members from the Huakang Association and William Colton’s Chief of Staff, He Li-ning. He expressed relief over the case’s outcome, commenting on the concerns of early immigrants striving for the American dream and the unease within the community upon hearing of Thanh’s charges. He hopes this resolution will strengthen community trust in the American justice system.
He also acknowledged that while constructing a homeless shelter could potentially harm the neighborhood, it has united the community like never before, fostering relationships that had not been seen for decades. He thanked residents for their strong support of Thanh and expressed a desire for this spirit of mutual aid to continue, aiming for Bensonhurst to become the most vibrant and unified community in New York.
After the court proceedings, Thanh went to the protest site on 86th Street to thank his supporters. Faces lit up with joy as the crowd learned of his case’s outcome. Neighbors and local business owners nearby his restaurant offered their congratulations as they celebrated his triumph over the challenges he faced.
Thanh, who lost his family to war at a young age and was raised by his grandmother, immigrated to New York at 23 in pursuit of the American dream, viewing Bensonhurst as his “second home.” He mentioned that the elder activists he stood alongside during protests felt like family to him; witnessing police clash with elderly protesters reminded him of his own parents and grandmother. His only wish was to contribute, even in a small way, to the community’s fight.
He reiterated that if the shelter were built, it would pose a tremendous threat to the community he holds dear, a scenario he found unacceptable.
As protests continue on 86th Street, supporters express not only their excitement but also hope that the case involving city council member Zhuang Wenyin will also be dismissed, bringing justice to the community. In addition to Thanh, seven others were arrested during the protests in July but were released without charges in August. The only remaining case involving Zhuang will be heard on January 27th of next year, with all others resolved.
