New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani Clarifies Past ‘Defund the NYPD’ Statements
New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has publicly acknowledged and apologized for previous calls to defund the New York Police Department, statements that resurfaced during a recent debate and have drawn criticism.
In 2020, amid nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd, Mamdani posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We don’t need an investigation to know that the NYPD is racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety. What we need is to #DefundTheNYPD.” He further asserted, “There is no negotiating with an institution this wicked & corrupt. Defund it. Dismantle it. End the cycle of violence.” These comments were highlighted during a debate earlier today, and have become a focal point in his current campaign. This scrutiny comes as debates around police funding and reform continue to shape political discourse nationwide.
Mamdani has since stated his views have evolved, describing his earlier statements as “out of step” with his current platform. He issued a direct apology to the NYPD yesterday during a Fox News interview when pressed on the matter. While he no longer advocates for defunding the police or reducing headcount, Mamdani now proposes a shift in resources towards a “Department of Community Safety” focused on mental health services, gun violence reduction, victim support, and hate crime prevention. He explained during tonight’s debate that his understanding of the NYPD’s work has deepened since entering office. For more information on police reform efforts, see the Vera Institute of Justice.
Mamdani’s evolving stance reflects a broader trend among some politicians who initially embraced the “defund the police” movement but have since moderated their positions. He maintains his commitment to addressing the root causes of crime and improving public safety through alternative approaches, as detailed on his campaign website.
Mamdani’s campaign team stated they expect continued discussion of this issue in the coming weeks as the election approaches.
