NYC Mayoral Frontrunner Mamdani Plans to Disband Elite NYPD Task Force

New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani has pledged to disband the NYPD's Strategic Response Group (SRG), an elite unit that responded to a recent deadly mass shooting in Manhattan. Mamdani criticized the SRG for costly lawsuit settlements and alleged brutality against First Amendment rights, despite expressing gratitude for first responders after the attack that left four people dead, including an off-duty police officer. Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD officials have strongly condemned Mamdani's plan, warning that dismantling the SRG would be extremely dangerous and could jeopardize public safety, as the unit is trained to handle critical emergencies like shootings and civil disorders. Critics argue Mamdani's opposition to the SRG stems from his broader anti-police stance, including previous calls to defund the police following the 2020 protests. While Mamdani claims the SRG has contributed to abuses, defenders emphasize the unit's role in swiftly responding to violent incidents, highlighting the tension between public safety concerns and calls for police reform in the New York mayoral race.