Socialist frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, vying for the mayoral position, has pledged to eliminate the elite NYPD task force that responded to a Park Avenue building during a recent tragic shooting incident. Despite his appreciation for the first responders following the attack, Mamdani plans to disband the Strategic Response Group (SRG) if elected as Mayor.
Mamdani, a far-left Queens assemblyman, made his intentions clear on social media in December 2024, citing the SRG’s history of costly lawsuit settlements and alleged brutality towards New Yorkers exercising their First Amendment rights.
The SRG is a specialized unit within the NYPD that handles citywide mobilizations, civil disturbances, major events, and emergency situations such as shootings and robberies.
Despite Mamdani’s past criticisms of the NYPD, including calls to “Defund the Police” in 2020, he expressed heartbreak over the recent shooting incident that claimed multiple lives, including that of an off-duty NYPD officer.
Following the attack, Mamdani praised the first responders on the ground, although some critics have questioned his sincerity, considering his stance on disbanding the SRG.
US Rep. Elise Stefanik and other detractors have highlighted Mamdani’s previous anti-police statements, labeling him unfit for the mayoral role.
In response to the backlash, Governor Kathy Hochul defended Mamdani and criticized Stefanik’s focus on past remarks rather than addressing public safety concerns.
Despite the controversy, Mamdani paid tribute to the fallen officer from the recent shooting, recognizing his service and sacrifice.
Critics within the Democratic Party and police union advisors have condemned Mamdani’s stance on disbanding the SRG as hypocritical and potentially harmful to public safety.
As the mayoral race heats up, concerns have been raised about Mamdani’s anti-police rhetoric and the implications of his proposed actions on law enforcement in New York City.
While Mamdani’s allies have supported his calls to abolish the SRG, the bill proposing its elimination has gained traction among Democratic sponsors in the city council.
Amidst the controversy, Mamdani’s spokesperson has not commented on whether he still intends to follow through on his promise to abolish the SRG if elected.
