Andrew Cuomo lays into Zohran Mamdani during NYC mayoral debate for calling NYPD ‘racist’

During the recent mayoral debate on Thursday, Andrew Cuomo took aim at Zohran Mamdani, criticizing the socialist candidate’s previous statements regarding the NYPD. Mamdani’s remarks have included labeling the police department as “racist” and a “threat to public safety.”

“Respect the police. They’re not racists,” Cuomo asserted. “As the assemblyman would suggest, they’re not a threat to public safety. They are here to protect the people of New York.”

Mamdani dismissed Cuomo’s accusations as relics of the past.

“I’ve consistently stated that while Andrew Cuomo likes to revisit tweets from 2020, a time when he was responsible for transferring seniors into nursing homes, my focus is on collaborating with police officers rather than defunding the NYPD,” Mamdani remarked.

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Mamdani found himself amidst controversy when old social media posts resurfaced from 2020 in which he called the NYPD a racist organization and a danger to public safety.

His situation worsened after an interview with The New York Times last month, where he stated he thought he should apologize for his views but confusingly didn’t actually offer an apology.

Despite ongoing inquiries about his intended apology, Mamdani only offered a confusing response, claiming he sought to apologize individually to every officer behind closed doors.

However, on Wednesday, Mamdani finally gave a comprehensive public apology in an interview with Fox News.

Highlights from the First NYC Mayoral Debate

• Cuomo challenges Mamdani on DSA’s plans to decriminalize prostitution
• Mamdani struggles to clarify funding for $10B in ‘free services’
• Cuomo aggressively questions Mamdani’s anti-police rhetoric
• Mamdani criticized for inexperience: ‘He has literally never had a job’
• Criticism of Mamdani for silence on Hamas and support for ‘Globalize the Intifada’

As a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani remained firm in his stance on limiting police commissioner authority during the debate staged at 30 Rockefeller Center.

Mamdani expressed his belief that the Civilian Complaint Review Board should hold the ultimate say in disciplinary decisions, aiming to minimize political influence in the accountability process.

“I believe it’s essential to take politics out of accountability questions,” he stated. “Often, these recommendations face political interference, which leads to inconsistencies in enforcement. New Yorkers deserve a transparent and accountable process.”

The CCRB is composed of 15 members, appointed to three-year terms, with the mayor holding five appointments on the board.