New York City’s socialist mayoral frontrunner, Zohran Mamdani, wants to gut the NYPD’s elite Strategic Response Group (SRG) despite its critical role in a recent deadly shooting, as the New York Post reports.
In October 2024, Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman, announced his mayoral candidacy, won the Democratic Party nomination in June, and now faces backlash for his anti-police stance, including a December 2024 pledge to disband the SRG, which responds to major emergencies like shootings and civil disorders.
Mamdani’s campaign kicked off with a promise to dismantle the SRG, a specialized NYPD unit tasked with handling citywide crises, from bank robberies to mass protests. His December 2024 social media post declared, “As Mayor, I will disband the SRG.” This vow reeks of pandering to the progressive fringe, ignoring the unit’s proven necessity in high-stakes scenarios.
Back in 2020, during the George Floyd protests, Mamdani posted on social media, calling to “Defund the Police.” This resurfaced quote, highlighted by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, paints him as consistently hostile to law enforcement. Stefanik’s jab, labeling him “unfit” for mayor, underscores the risks of his radical agenda.
Mamdani’s 2020 rhetoric branded the NYPD as “racist” and a “threat to public safety.” Such inflammatory language now haunts his campaign, especially as he eyes control over the very agency he’s long vilified. It’s a contradiction that demands scrutiny from voters.
In January, Bed-Stuy Councilman Chi Ossé introduced a bill, backed by 24 Democrat city council members, including Crystal Hudson, to bar the SRG from protests or First Amendment events. This aligns with Mamdani’s agenda, suggesting a broader push to neuter police effectiveness. New Yorkers should question this trend’s impact on public safety.
On July 28, 2025, a mass shooting rocked a Park Avenue building, leaving four dead, including off-duty NYPD officer Didarul Islam. The 36-year-old father of two was hailed by Mamdani as leaving a “legacy of service.” Yet, Mamdani’s praise rings hollow when paired with his call to disband the SRG, which was instrumental in responding to the crisis.
SRG officers were among the first to storm the building, confronting gunman Shane Tamura to contain the threat. Their swift action likely saved lives, yet Mamdani remains silent on their heroism. His refusal to reconsider his SRG stance betrays a disconnect from reality.
An unnamed NYPD source didn’t mince words, saying Mamdani “only wants to ban SRG because they are the ones responding to his people’s protests.” This cuts to the core: Mamdani’s agenda seems less about reform and more about settling scores with law enforcement. New York deserves better than such petty politics.
Following the shooting, Mamdani posted, “I am holding the victims, their families, and the NYPD officer in critical condition in my thoughts.” Ken Frydman, a critic, called this “hypocritical,” arguing that Mamdani can’t mourn victims while undermining the responders. The contradiction exposes a leader more focused on ideology than practicality.
Gerard Kassar warned that electing Mamdani, who “publicly despises” the NYPD, would be disastrous for a city reliant on robust policing. His point hits hard: a mayor at war with his police force is a recipe for chaos. New Yorkers must weigh this risk carefully.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, responding to Stefanik’s criticism on CNN this week, dismissed attacks on Mamdani’s 2020 comments as outdated. “Ask her the question. What are you doing to make your constituents safe?” Hochul said, dodging the issue while pushing for uniform gun laws nationwide.
Hochul’s defense of Mamdani sidesteps the real question of whether a mayor who distrusts the NYPD can govern effectively. Her call for gun law reform, while reasonable, feels like a distraction from Mamdani’s radical proposals. New York needs leadership that supports, not sabotages, its first responders.
Mamdani’s spokesperson dodged questions about whether he still backs disbanding the SRG. This silence speaks volumes, suggesting he’s doubling down on a dangerous promise. Voters should demand clarity before handing him the city’s reins.
The fallen officer, Didarul Islam, joined the NYPD to leave a legacy, Mamdani noted, saying, “He’s done that and more.” Yet, dismantling the SRG would dishonor that legacy, leaving New York less equipped for future crises. Mamdani’s vision for the city seems more about ideology than protecting its people.
