Brooklyn Republican aide arrested for alleged assault on rival campaign volunteer

Liu Zhen, a 73-year-old aide for Brooklyn Republican State Senator Steve Chan, was arrested and charged with third-degree assault following an incident involving a Democratic campaign volunteer. The altercation occurred on 86th Street in Bensonhurst while volunteers for both campaigns were working at separate booths.

Video footage shows a woman appearing to be Zhen reaching over a table to swipe at a volunteer for Democratic opponent Larry He. The victim allegedly fell after being struck in the face. Following the incident, Zhen was issued a desk appearance ticket and released.

Senator Steve Chan, a retired police sergeant, stated that he has suspended Zhen for the time being. While Chan acknowledged that the volunteer should not have approached the rival table, he claimed the assault accusation was false and suggested the victim's fall was staged.