With help from Amira McKee
IN MEMORIAM: Five mayoral candidates, along with hundreds of NYPD officers, gathered this afternoon to honor Didarul Islam, an officer killed in the line of duty during Monday’s tragic mass shooting.
Among those present at the Parkchester Jame Masjid, where Islam’s body lay, were Mayor Eric Adams, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and independent candidate Jim Walden.
Islam’s death quickly became a litmus test for Mamdani, who was on an 11-day vacation in Uganda when the shooting occurred. Cuomo wasted no time in highlighting Mamdani’s previous anti-NYPD activism, questioning his stance on police funding in light of the tragedy. Upon his return to the U.S., Mamdani faced probing questions regarding his past support for defunding the police and calls to disband the NYPD unit that responded to the shooting.
Additional attendees included Governor Kathy Hochul, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Attorney General Letitia James, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, District Attorney Darcel Clark, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, City Council member Yusef Salaam, and Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Richie Torres.
Journalists were present, keen to observe any hint of political discord among the candidates during the memorial.
Adams delivered a eulogy for Islam, expressing the pain of loss while explicitly thanking the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group (SRG)—the very unit Mamdani has called for eliminating. “I want to say thank you to the men and women of the New York City Police Department in general, but specifically to the men and women of SRG,” Adams stated. “They entered the building while the shooter was still alive, conducting a floor-by-floor search to ensure everyone’s safety.”
In a twist of political allegiance, Mamdani announced he no longer supports defunding the police but has reaffirmed his stance on dissolving the SRG, which has faced criticism for its heavy-handed tactics during protests.
Officer Islam, an immigrant from Bangladesh and father of two (with a third child on the way), was working as a security guard when a gunman wielding a military-style rifle perpetrated the most deadly mass shooting in New York City since 2000. Islam, a three-year NYPD veteran, was in full uniform when he was tragically killed alongside three others that day.
Unlike other candidates, Mamdani sat alongside Islam’s family during the service and received a warm welcome upon his arrival. He also joined fellow Muslims in prayer once the political speeches concluded, while other officials departed.
The intimate service, reserved for family and friends, saw hundreds of officers and supporters gathering outside the mosque, setting up food trucks and tents for fellowship. As the funeral commenced, police cleared the street to provide space for prayer.
“The residents of this city, indeed, this state, must show greater appreciation for our police force; they have not received enough support in recent years, in my opinion, and that must change,” Hochul stated, donning a black headscarf in accordance with Muslim customs. “They need our backing.” — Amira McKee and Jason Beeferman
NORTH COUNTRY SPECIAL LOOMS: The anticipated resignation of Assemblymember Billy Jones will likely trigger a competitive special election in a North Country district bordering Quebec.
Jones, serving his fifth term, has held his seat with remarkable security, having run unopposed in three of his last four elections and winning the other by a significant 24-point margin.
This stability is attributable to his personal popularity; however, the district’s political landscape remains finely balanced: there are 30,392 Democratic and Working Families Party members compared to 29,920 Republicans and Conservatives.
“For the first time in a long time, Republicans have a genuine opportunity to win this one,” stated Essex County Conservative Party Chair Bill McGahay.
Malone Mayor Andrea Dumas is being discussed as a possible Republican candidate for the seat.
Several Democrats are also eyeing the position, with Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman reportedly “gaining traction,” according to Clinton County Democratic Chair Brandi Lloyd.
“Democrats are optimistic that this will hold,” Lloyd remarked. “We’re witnessing a national trend where rural seats are either staying blue or flipping blue.”
Jones announced Tuesday his impending resignation, with insiders predicting it will be timed for Governor Hochul to call a special election coinciding with the Nov. 4 general election. — Bill Mahoney
‘MY HEART IS BROKEN’: Governor Hochul today urged Israel to collaborate with the United States to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza—a notable shift for a governor who usually champions the Israeli cause.
“Allowing innocent children to starve to death is simply unconscionable, and as a mother, my heart breaks at the images of famine,” Hochul stated.
The reports of starvation that prompted Hochul’s comments have also spurred other New York Democrats who support Israel to voice their concerns against the government. Following the Oct. 7 attacks, Hochul was a vocal supporter of Israel, even visiting Kfar Aza and advocating for the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
However, the tides of war abroad and domestic politics have shifted dramatically since then.
On Saturday, Representatives Jerry Nadler, Pat Ryan, and Paul Tonko were among the moderate Democrats who signed a statement released by New York Attorney General Letitia James, demanding immediate access to humanitarian aid in Gaza. Though Hochul did not sign this statement, her recent remarks suggest a growing consensus among Democrats, who have historically been divided on Israel.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel this morning, planning to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and visit an aid distribution center in Gaza—a development Hochul hopes will signal a turning point in the crisis.
“Supporting the people of Israel also requires us to demand that the Israeli government do what is right,” Hochul emphasized. “Simultaneously, we must continue to insist that Hamas release all hostages and bring an end to this conflict. This humanitarian crisis has dragged on for far too long, and it’s time to secure a lasting peace that safeguards both Israelis and Palestinians.” — Amira McKee
FREEZE THE FARE: Amid discussions about freezing rents, several New York Democrats are now advocating for a freeze on subway fares.
The MTA announced Wednesday plans to increase subway fares, prompting elected officials to argue that such an increase would be untenable for New Yorkers.
“Proposing a fare hike without demonstrating meaningful improvements is offensive to hard-working New Yorkers, which is why I’m urging all board appointees to vote no on this proposal,” Adams stated, directing his remarks to the Senate-confirmed MTA board responsible for approving the fare increase. “We strongly oppose this fare hike and remain committed to fighting for a more affordable and equitable city.”
Under the proposed MTA increases, subway fares would rise from $2.90 to $3, with LIRR and Metro North tickets potentially spiking by 8 percent. Tolls for bridges and tunnels would also see a 7.5 percent increase.
The MTA defended the fare and toll adjustments as modest adjustments that occur regularly to keep pace with inflation and prevent unexpected, steep increases for customers.
The fare hikes will require approval from the MTA board following a series of public hearings in August and are slated to take effect in January 2025 if approved.
Mamdani, who ran a campaign centered on affordability, is advocating for Albany to raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations to make MTA buses free—a proposal the MTA has shown opposition to thus far.
Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, has also voiced strong objections to the fare increases.
“At a time when the federal government is devising new ways to squeeze the middle class and extract their hard-earned dollars, New York State must make it clear that we will not add to this burden,” she asserted. “This proposed rate increase must be rejected, and I urge all New Yorkers who are able and willing to voice their concerns to the MTA Board.”
— Jason Beeferman
VETO, AGAIN: In a late-night surprise, Mayor Adams vetoed a bill aimed at decriminalizing illegal street vending, catching the City Council off guard.
In his brief veto message, Adams argued that existing criminal penalties serve as “an important enforcement tool.” The bill sought to protect street vendors—many of whom are immigrants—from deportation. The bill’s sponsor, Council Member Shekar Krishnan, expressed outrage, claiming that “Adams did Donald Trump’s bidding by vetoing legislation that safeguards our immigrant small business owners.”
Adams’ spokesperson, Zachary Nosanchuk, refuted claims of coordination with the Trump administration, contending that the veto was based on concerns that the new law would hinder the NYPD’s ability to intervene in egregious cases.
This latest veto came on the heels of Adams also vetoing the City Council’s decision to block a casino bid in the East Bronx.
Speaker Adrienne Adams has yet to announce whether she plans to schedule votes to override these vetoes. — Jeff Coltin
BIG ‘RIG’: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the Trump administration, accusing the former president of attempting to “rig” Texas’ congressional map. (Daily News)
FLOOD WATCH: Hochul declared a state of emergency for New York City, Long Island, and parts of the Hudson Valley as the National Weather Service elevated the region’s flash flooding risk. (Gothamist)
ANOTHER SUBWAY MELTDOWN: The city’s beleaguered transit system faces more turmoil following a power outage this morning, exacerbating already chaotic conditions during the morning commute. (New York Post)
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