A deadly shooting in Midtown Manhattan has thrust New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, into a firestorm of criticism over his past anti-police rhetoric.
Fox News reported that on Monday, a gunman claimed four lives, including that of NYPD officer Didarul Islam, a Bangladeshi immigrant. Mamdani’s recent tributes to the fallen officer have sparked outrage among conservatives who point to his earlier calls to defund the police.
A mass shooting rocked Midtown Manhattan on Monday, leaving four dead, including Officer Didarul Islam, and prompting Mamdani to express solidarity with the victims.
Mamdani tweeted his heartbreak, praising first responders and noting an NYPD officer’s critical condition. Yet, his words ring hollow to critics who recall his starkly different tone just years ago.
In June 2020, Mamdani demanded to “defund the police” in tweets that branded the NYPD as “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety.” These statements, resurfaced by detractors, paint a picture of a politician eager to slash law enforcement budgets. His current mourning for a slain officer feels like a convenient pivot to some.
New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov didn’t mince words, tweeting, “Come on, @ZohranKMamdani. Spare us the BS.” Her jab underscores a broader conservative sentiment that Mamdani’s newfound empathy for the NYPD is disingenuous. The contrast between his past and present stances fuels the backlash.
Radio personality Dana Loesch joined the fray, simply tweeting, “This you?” alongside Mamdani’s old anti-police posts. The pointed question captures the skepticism of those who see his tribute as political theater. Mamdani’s critics argue he can’t have it both ways—condemning cops one day, praising them the next.
Fox News’ Guy Benson piled on, noting Mamdani’s absence during the crisis, reportedly celebrating his recent wedding at a guarded compound in Uganda.
Benson highlighted the irony of Mamdani criticizing the NYPD as “anti-queer” while marrying in a nation where homosexuality faces severe punishment. The contradiction raises questions about Mamdani’s consistency on human rights.
On Tuesday, Mamdani posted a heartfelt tribute to Officer Islam, recounting how the officer told his mother he joined the NYPD to leave a proud legacy.
“He has done that, and more,” Mamdani wrote, honoring Islam’s sacrifice. But for many, this sentiment clashes with Mamdani’s earlier mockery of a crying policeman as “nature is healing.”
Political commentator David J. Freeman, known as Gunther Eagleman, vented frustration, stating, “Imagine how many brothers in Blue were mourning the loss of a brother today and see this post.” His words reflect the raw anger among NYPD supporters who feel Mamdani’s tribute insults their grief. The posturing, they argue, undermines genuine mourning.
Mamdani’s history of criticizing budget deals with the NYC mayor for maintaining police presence adds fuel to the fire.
He once accused the mayor of using “budget tricks” to keep cops on the beat. Such rhetoric makes his current expressions of solidarity seem like a calculated shift to conservatives.
Mamdani’s recent wedding in Uganda, where homosexuality can lead to imprisonment or execution, has drawn scrutiny. Critics like Benson find it hypocritical for Mamdani to call out the NYPD’s alleged anti-queer bias while celebrating in a country with draconian anti-gay laws. The juxtaposition muddies his progressive credentials.
Meanwhile, Mamdani’s Monday tweet expressed gratitude for first responders, saying, “I’m heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in Midtown.”
The statement aimed to unify, but critics see it as a hollow gesture from someone who once vilified the very force he now praises. The disconnect is glaring to those who value law enforcement.
Officer Islam’s story, as shared by Mamdani, highlights a man driven by duty. “When he joined the police department, his mother asked him why he would pursue such a dangerous job,” Mamdani noted. Islam’s response—to leave a legacy—resonates, but Mamdani’s critics argue he dishonors that legacy with his past rhetoric.
Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary for mayor positions him as a frontrunner, but this controversy could haunt him.
His anti-police tweets from 2020, including calls to defund the NYPD, are ammunition for opponents who question his leadership. Conservatives argue he can’t be trusted to support law enforcement.
At a July 15, 2025, endorsement event with union DC 37, Mamdani focused on labor issues, not police reform. Yet, his past statements linger, casting a shadow over his campaign. Critics wonder if his tributes are mere damage control as he eyes City Hall.
