As New York City grapples with the aftermath of a deadly mass shooting that claimed the lives of four people, including an NYPD officer, Zohran Mamdani, the radical Democrat mayoral nominee, is facing renewed scrutiny over his controversial pledge to “disband” a key police unit.
The pledge, made during his mayoral campaign, has drawn sharp criticism, especially in light of the tragic events that unfolded in Midtown Manhattan on Monday.
Mamdani, currently in Uganda celebrating his wedding, has been vocal in the past about his support for defunding the police.
As a candidate for mayor, he has softened his anti-police rhetoric.
However, his previous pledge to dismantle the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Strategic Response Group (SRG) remains a point of contention.
The SRG is a specialized unit within the NYPD responsible for responding to civil disorders, riots, and significant public safety events.
Its duties include crowd control, crime suppression, and providing backup for high-stress situations such as shootings, bank robberies, and protests.
According to the NYPD’s official website, the SRG is deployed to areas with increased crime or other pressing conditions, making it a vital part of maintaining order in New York City.
In December 2024, Mamdani tweeted his intention to “disband” the SRG.
He cited the SRG’s alleged involvement in “harassing” and arresting striking Teamsters.
Mamdani stated, “As Mayor, I will disband the SRG, which has cost taxpayers millions in lawsuit settlements and brutalized countless New Yorkers exercising their First Amendment rights.”
While Mamdani’s position on policing has seemingly evolved while he’s running for mayor, this pledge continues to follow him, particularly now that his city faces the tragic aftermath of a violent attack.
The shooting, carried out by gunman Shane Tamura, killed four individuals, including NYPD Officer Didarul Islam.
Officer Islam was a dedicated member of the force who was reportedly working a second job in private security to support his growing family.
The late father-of-two’s pregnant wife is due to give birth to their third child in one month.
In response to the tragedy, Mamdani expressed his condolences but was quick to downplay the importance of the SRG.
“I’m heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in Midtown, and I am holding the victims, their families, and the NYPD officer in critical condition in my thoughts,” Mamdani said.
While acknowledging the tragic event, Mamdani made no direct mention of the broader implications for his stance on policing or the unit he pledged to disband.
On Monday, Tamura entered a midtown Manhattan office building and opened fire.
He killed four people before turning the gun on himself.
Among the victims were Officer Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Rudin Management associate Julia Hyman.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
However, law enforcement sources indicate that Tamura had a grievance with the NFL, specifically blaming football for his apparent struggles with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain injury caused by repeated blows to the head.
In a statement regarding the incident, Mayor Eric Adams, who is seeking re-election as an independent, ordered all flags on city buildings to be lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for the victims.
“Officer Didarul Islam died as he lived, a hero and protector of New York City,” Adams wrote on social media.
“We will never forget you.”
Mamdani’s position on policing, particularly in light of the shooting and the fallout over his pledge to disband the SRG, raises serious concerns about the priorities of those seeking leadership in the city.
While his message of police reform may resonate with some, critics argue that dismantling key units like the SRG could weaken the city’s ability to handle future threats effectively.
Given the tragic events unfolding in the city, New Yorkers may begin to question whether Mamdani’s vision for policing aligns with the reality of the city’s safety needs.
As Mamdani continues his campaign, his stance on policing and his past remarks on the SRG will likely remain a point of contention.
While Mayor Adams addresses the immediate tragedy with leadership and respect, Mamdani’s proposals seem out of touch with the urgent needs of the city’s law enforcement in a time of crisis.
With rising concerns over crime and public safety, Mamdani’s commitment to defunding or disbanding critical units like the SRG will only fuel skepticism among those who value security and order.
READ MORE – Another Democrat Slams ‘Job-Killing Socialist’ Zohran Mamdani: ‘Loathsome’
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