Mayor’s Photographer Criticized for Anti-Police Sentiment

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s photography director has expressed strong anti-police feelings in the past. Carla McCurdy, in particular, has made headlines for her comments and actions that suggest a less-than-friendly view of law enforcement.

Back in May 2020, she tweeted about physical confrontations with police, stating that “it would be ridiculous not to be able to throw a punch at the police.” This candid expression of frustration is indicative of her long-standing disdain for law enforcement.

More recently, on September 20, 2023, she posted about an encounter with two NYPD patrol cars, a post that has since been removed. In her message, she claimed she felt cornered by the police while trying to navigate her car in the rain. Two minutes later, she appeared to follow up with a rather disturbing remark: “Dear neighbors, you are already in danger. I hope you all rot.”

At 32, McCurdy describes herself as a “Documentary Photographer,” stating that her work is politically driven. She met Mamdani in 2019 at a campaign event for Tiffany Caban, a candidate who failed to win the Queens district attorney position. Following this, she volunteered for Mamdani’s 2020 state legislative campaign and reportedly earned $36,200 during the previous mayoral campaign.

Critics are questioning the implications of her hiring in light of the current tensions between the mayor and the police force. Some argue that McCurdy’s outspoken views signal a lack of respect for law enforcement, with City Councilman Phil Wong stating that her presence around the mayor’s office reflects poorly on Mamdani’s leadership.

McCurdy’s connection with the mayor’s wife, Rama Dhwaj, runs deep; she has documented their wedding and has voiced supportive sentiments for Mamdani’s administration. However, the mayor’s team has been reticent to disclose McCurdy’s exact salary.

The scrutiny surrounding McCurdy isn’t new. She has a lengthy history of critical remarks about the police, dating back to at least June 2012. In one instance, she recounted her encounters with NYPD officers, noting their overly polite behavior while still expressing her belief in the acronym “ACAB,” or “All Cops Are Bastards.”

Some city officials are raising concerns about the message McCurdy’s presence sends to the NYPD. Councilwoman Joanne Arriola commented on the apparent contradiction of having someone openly hostile towards police tasked with documenting key city events, labeling the situation as “unpleasant.”

Neither McCurdy nor the mayor’s office has responded to inquiries regarding these concerns.