New York City Mayor Stands Firm on NYPD Commissioner Amid Controversy

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani firmly stated that he has no intention of dismissing NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, despite demands from his democratic socialist allies following a contentious ICE-related shooting in the Bronx.

During a ceremony honoring fallen NYPD officers, Mamdani addressed questions about Tisch’s role in the department. “Jessica Tisch is the police commissioner. I have no plans to change that,” Mamdani informed the press.

He justified his decision by citing Tisch’s accomplishments in tackling NYPD corruption while reducing crime rates. “In the last ten months that we’ve collaborated, we have achieved the lowest recorded murder rates and shooting incidents in our city’s history,” Mamdani remarked.

The comments followed the New York City Democratic Socialists of America’s call for Tisch’s removal and their demand for Mamdani to expel ICE from the city. These demands arose after Oscar Belgal, a Dominican national, was shot during a federal immigration operation in the Bronx.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that Belgal allegedly resisted officers’ commands during the ICE operation targeting him.

Despite the incident, Mamdani plans to review the shooting circumstances but has no intention of removing Tisch. Scott Munro, the Detectives’ Endowment Association’s president, expressed support for Tisch, noting the decline in crime rates and her effective leadership.

Mamdani and Tisch paid tribute to 42 fallen NYPD officers, including those affected by the Sept. 11 attacks and Detective First Grade Didarul Islam, who died in a mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan.

The mayor honored the officers and their families at the ceremony attended by Tisch. “While we cannot fill the void left by their absence, we will preserve their memory,” Mamdani stated.

Earlier, Mamdani directed the NYPD to review its use-of-force policies. He also unveiled reforms focused on enhancing accountability for police misconduct.