Mamdani Faces Backlash After NYC Shooting, Officer Killed

New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is under intense scrutiny after a mass shooting in Manhattan killed four people, including NYPD officer Didarul Islam. Critics have resurfaced Mamdani's past comments from 2020 supporting the defunding and dismantling of the NYPD, and labeling the police as racist and a threat to public safety. While Mamdani now asserts he would not defund the police and would cooperate with them as mayor, figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have condemned his previous statements and suggested his election could drive officers to other states. The incident has reignited debate over policing policies and political accountability amid concerns about rising crime. Mamdani has responded by expressing condolences for the victims and organizing a memorial event for Officer Islam. The controversy underscores broader tensions within the Democratic Party and nationwide regarding law enforcement reform.