New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has come under fire following the resurfacing of a 2023 video in which he compared the New York Police Department (NYPD) to the Israeli military (IDF). This footage, which emerged from a panel at the Democratic Socialists of America’s national convention, has prompted significant criticism and calls for clarification regarding Mamdani’s position on law enforcement.
During the event, Mamdani stated, “When the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it’s been laced by the IDF.” His comments sparked outrage, with detractors accusing him of drawing an inappropriate parallel between local policing and military actions. Critics have pointed to this comparison as part of a broader narrative that has painted Mamdani’s past statements about the NYPD in a negative light.
In the wake of the backlash, Mamdani appeared on Fox News to apologize for his previous comments, in which he advocated for the defunding of the NYPD, labeling it “racist, anti-queer, and a major threat to public safety.” While addressing the controversy, he attempted to contextualize his statements by stressing the need to localize discussions about policing and social issues.
Mamdani reiterated his commitment to working with the NYPD during a press event in Hell’s Kitchen, where he emphasized the importance of addressing the department’s retention crisis, with approximately 350 officers leaving each month. He outlined his vision for a more focused police force, suggesting that officers should concentrate on policing rather than taking on social service roles.
As discussions continued, Mamdani was questioned about the NYPD’s liaison office in Israel. He responded that his primary focus is on public safety within New York City and not on international matters, attempting to redirect the conversation back to local issues.
The fallout from his remarks has been widespread on social media. Prominent figures across the political spectrum have criticized Mamdani. For instance, Clay Travis, founder of Outkick.com, described Mamdani’s comments as “textbook antisemitism,” questioning the sincerity of his apology to the NYPD while suggesting it should extend to those he implicated in his analogy.
The Anti-Defamation League also weighed in, with CEO Jonathan Greenblatt labeling Mamdani’s remarks as “sick” and indicative of dangerous fear-mongering. Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New York, described Mamdani’s comments as divisive and dangerous, reinforcing the perception that his rhetoric may alienate constituents.
Concerns have also arisen regarding Mamdani’s proposals for policing reform. His suggestion that non-police professionals, such as social workers and ‘transit ambassadors,’ should respond to certain 911 calls has been met with skepticism. Critics argue that this approach could jeopardize public safety by relying on individuals without law enforcement training to handle potentially dangerous situations.
Retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone expressed his disapproval of Mamdani’s proposals, calling them impractical. He raised concerns about the potential consequences of misjudgments made by dispatchers, questioning what would happen if a critical situation escalated due to a dispatcher’s error.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo also criticized Mamdani, labeling him as “divisive” and emphasizing the need for unity among city leaders. Cuomo pointed out that fostering collaboration is essential for effective governance in a diverse metropolis like New York City.
As the election draws closer, Mamdani’s comments and proposed policies will likely continue to be scrutinized. With the New York City mayoral race heating up, the implications of his rhetoric and the public’s response may play a significant role in shaping his campaign’s trajectory.
