Mamdani issues broad apology to NYPD officers for remarks labeling them as ‘racist’ and ‘anti-queer’

Democratic mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani has publicly apologized to members of the New York Police Department (NYPD) for his previous remarks characterizing the entire police force as “racist.” This statement marked a significant shift in Mamdani’s stance, as he prepares for the competitive November 4 mayoral election.

In a recent appearance on Fox News, Mamdani expressed his regret directly to the NYPD officers, acknowledging their daily sacrifices and the dangers they face in their line of duty. His apology represents the first time Mamdani has addressed the department’s uniformed staff collectively regarding the critical comments he made in the past. Despite having previously apologized to individual officers in private discussions, this public remark indicates a broader outreach to mend relations with law enforcement.

Mamdani originally leveled his accusations against the NYPD in 2020, prior to being elected as a state Assembly member representing parts of western Queens. He had described the department as “racist, anti-queer,” and a significant threat to public safety, a statement that resonated within the context of the national discourse following the murder of George Floyd. In a June 2020 social media post, he stated, “We don’t need an investigation to know that the NYPD is racist… What we need is to #DefundTheNYPD,” a position that has since evolved as he campaigns for mayor.

Now, with his candidacy in full swing, Mamdani has distanced himself from his previous calls for defunding the police. Instead, he has committed to maintaining flat funding for the NYPD while proposing the establishment of a new agency dedicated to responding to mental health crises, thereby alleviating some responsibilities from police officers.

Mamdani’s recent appearance on a conservative media platform is notable, especially considering his identity as a democratic socialist and his campaign’s focus on taxing the wealthy to fund social programs like expanded public transportation.

Reflecting on his past comments, Mamdani stated that they stemmed from personal anguish over police violence. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring both justice and safety for all New Yorkers, underscoring the crucial role of law enforcement in achieving that balance. Currently leading in polls, Mamdani aims to redefine his relationship with the NYPD amidst the evolving political landscape of New York City.

In response to Mamdani’s apology, Patrick Hendry, President of the Police Benevolent Association, remarked that while words are significant, they are secondary to actions. Hendry stressed that the next mayor’s decisions will have a far more impactful effect on the lives of police officers than any apology could.

As the election draws nearer, Mamdani’s evolving discourse on the police department reflects both political pragmatism and a strategic recalibration as he seeks to align himself with constituents across diverse perspectives on safety and policing in New York City.