Leading the mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani continues to generate controversy with his vague statements regarding his unfulfilled pledge to apologize to the NYPD, amid speculation that he is hesitant to alienate his supporters from the Democratic Socialists of America.
On Monday, in what has become a series of increasingly confusing remarks, Mamdani suggested that he has been expressing his regret to frontline officers during their encounters—over two weeks after he committed to a public apology for having labeled the NYPD as “racist” back in 2020.
“What I value most from discussions about policing are the ones I’ve had with rank-and-file officers,” he stated at an unrelated press gathering in Inwood. “In these discussions, I share my insights about our present situation, our past, and what our collaborative efforts must look like moving forward.”
Democratic insiders imply that Mamdani’s reluctance to provide clear answers stems from a desire to keep his DSA supporters happy—critical allies for his electoral prospects. “It’s straightforward to apologize,” remarked a Democratic operative, adding, “But for him, it’s particularly challenging because of the DSA.”
That operative elaborated, “He likely still holds the belief that the NYPD exists as an occupying entity that inflicts state violence on marginalized communities.”
Another campaign veteran expressed that Mamdani’s failure to publicly apologize is not fitting behavior for someone who aspires to reside in Gracie Mansion. “If he can’t say sorry to those who are essentially safeguarding him due to DSA extremists, he should consider stepping aside, reminiscent of Eric Adams,” they commented.
“His meandering avoidance of straightforward questions raises serious concerns about his capacity to address more intricate challenges this city faces.”
The tension around Mamdani’s promised apology escalated when the New York Times reported over two weeks ago that he intended to express regret for his past criticisms of police—similar to how he backed away from his “defund the police” position.
Mamdani asserted that his previous remarks were made “at the peak of frustration” during the protests triggered by George Floyd’s death, claiming his stance on law enforcement has evolved.
However, by Monday, his response regarding progress on an apology was nothing but a convoluted evasiveness that barely addressed his non-commitment.
When confronted about whether he was directly apologizing to police officers in his conversations, Mamdani responded with, “I’m indicating that these discussions are ongoing.”
Leaders from police unions, part of a coalition that had supported Mayor Eric Adams during his now-suspended re-election campaign, revealed they had yet to hear from Mamdani or his campaign team.
He has mentioned intentions to “reach out to police unions” as the election date looms closer.
A spokesperson for the Police Benevolent Association, which represents standard NYPD officers, indicated there are no plans for union representatives to meet with Mamdani prior to the November elections. “We’re not looking for more political pledges from candidates,” shared Patrick Hendry, the union president. “Actions from elected officials speak louder than apologies. An apology won’t enhance our members’ work conditions.”
Scott Munro, the president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association, asserted that Mamdani’s team is fully aware of how to reach him.
“I’m not sure,” Munro expressed when asked if he would consider a meeting with Mamdani without a prior apology. “We are already aware of his stance on law enforcement. It’s all a farce.”
Rich Azzopardi, spokesperson for electoral opponent Andrew Cuomo, also ridiculed Mamdani’s responses. “Give me a break, he’s giving out drive-by apologies now? It’s a feeble and insincere explanation, just like every other response he’s delivered in this election cycle,” Azzopardi stated.
— Additional reporting by Larry Celona
