Zohran Mamdani: “Policing does not create safety" | WATCH
Zohran Madani might be well spoken and charismatic, but he remains the biggest threat New York has ever faced, and might soon be its mayor.
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Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist who clinched the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor on June 24, 2025, with a stunning upset over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has sparked intense discussion over his public safety proposals. Mamdani, now poised to face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and possibly Cuomo in the November 2025 general election, advocates a reimagined approach to policing that prioritizes social services and mental health support, drawing both praise and criticism.
Mamdani’s platform, centered on affordability and working-class issues, includes creating a new agency to handle mental health crises and social services, reducing reliance on police for non-violent calls. A June 25, 2025, statement clarified that his plan retains law enforcement’s role but redirects funds from police overtime and unfilled vacancies to community programs. This approach, inspired by reformist ideas like those in Alex S. Vitale’s *The End of Policing*, argues that police are overburdened with tasks like addressing homelessness, which other systems could better handle.
Critics, particularly on X, have labeled Mamdani’s policies as anti-police, accusing him of supporting “defund the police” measures that could weaken public safety. Posts from June 28 and 30, 2025, linked his stance to rising urban crime, such as random assaults, while a July 6 post called him broadly anti-law enforcement. Business leaders, meeting with Adams post-primary, expressed concerns about Mamdani’s agenda, fearing it could destabilize the city.
Supporters, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, argue Mamdani’s focus on root causes, poverty, mental health, offers a forward-thinking model. His campaign’s grassroots energy, with 50,000 volunteers and viral social media, propelled his 56% to 44% victory over Cuomo after ranked-choice voting. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio, calling Mamdani’s win a rebuke of “unfair stereotypes,” dismissed accusations of extremism, pointing to his strong voter mandate.
Mamdani’s many critics, including President Donald Trump, have escalated their critique, with Trump claiming Mamdani, a naturalized U.S. citizen, is “here illegally.” Mamdani responded, framing such attacks as attempts to intimidate New Yorkers advocating for sanctuary city policies.
As the general election nears, Mamdani’s vision, free buses, childcare, and city-run grocery stores funded by taxing the wealthy, faces serious scrutiny over feasibility. Political observers note that his progressive policies, while resonating with young and first-time voters, may clash with Albany’s leadership, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, who opposes tax hikes. With Adams running as an independent and Cuomo potentially joining as a third-party candidate, the race remains contentious, with thousands trying desperately to save New York from falling into his unqualified and downright dangerous clutches.