New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing scrutiny for his past calls to defund the police. His comments come in light of a recent mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan that left four people dead, including an NYPD officer. Mamdani, a Democrat, has recently distanced himself from his earlier statements, saying he is not running to defund the police.
When a reporter asked him if he regretted his previous remarks about defunding the police, Mamdani did not directly answer. Instead, he spoke about the frustrations of New Yorkers following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. He highlighted the need for safety and justice, suggesting that people should not have to choose between the two.
This evasive response has drawn criticism. Senator Ted Cruz pointed out that Mamdani’s failure to express regret is concerning for his candidacy.
Mamdani’s stance on policing has evolved over time. In December, he tweeted about the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, calling it a unit that harasses and arrests people exercising their rights. He pledged to disband this unit, which is known for managing crowd control and responding to civil disorders.
Back in 2020, Mamdani was vocal about defunding the police, making several statements that indicated a strong stance against the NYPD. He described the police and the entire carceral system as a public health hazard and advocated for a socialist approach to city governance.
Critics have expressed doubts about Mamdani’s ability to lead effectively, suggesting he may not genuinely support public safety. As the election approaches, his past comments may continue to haunt his campaign.
