Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faced criticism on Sunday for not distancing himself from a controversial tribute to the fugitive cop-killer Assata Shakur, which was posted by his Democratic Socialist allies, claiming he is too focused on his campaign to address it.
The aspiring leader of New York City was pressed for a response during an interview with The Post regarding a disturbing homage shared by the Democratic Socialists of America, honoring Shakur, also known as Joanne Deborah Chesimard. She had escaped from prison while serving a life term for the 1973 murder of a New Jersey state trooper and died in Cuba last week.
The DSA declared, “We pledge to celebrate her legacy by committing ourselves to the fight for freedom, to achieve, and to protect and love one another, for we have nothing to lose but our chains,” in a post on X.
Mamdani sidestepped inquiries about the troubling tribute during the interview.
“I am running to be the mayor of New York City. My objective is to represent the people of our city. I am concentrating on the city’s issues, and my accountability lies with the residents of New York,” he stated. “My entire campaign is centered around ensuring affordability for the New Yorkers who are being forced out due to high costs.” He continued, “My coalition transcends divides, focusing solely on a common goal of affordability.”
The DSA’s tribute received backlash from various individuals, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who labeled it “shameful and despicable.”
On May 2, 1973, Shakur was implicated in the tragic murder of state Trooper Werner Foerster during a traffic stop.
She was found guilty of murder, robbery, and additional offenses in 1977, receiving a life sentence, only to escape from the Clinton Correctional Facility in New Jersey in November 1979 and remain at large for over 45 years.
Supporters of Shakur have consistently argued that she was innocent of the charges against her.
Last Thursday, the 78-year-old fugitive died in Havana, Cuba.
Recently, the Chicago Teacher’s Union faced backlash for commending the escaped cop-killer, which provoked outrage among many.
“She was a terrorist and a murderer,” stated New York attorney Andrew Laufer via X. “And I say this as a civil rights lawyer.”
