Blakeman Calls for Fouzia’s Dismissal from Mamdani’s Transition Team

Bruce Blakeman, a potential Republican candidate for governor, has urged mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani to promptly remove Kazi Fouzia from his transition team. Fouzia, an activist and member of the anti-police transition team, recently made headlines for previously labeling NYPD officers as “murderers.”

Fouzia, who identifies as a “revolutionary organizer” and works on Mamdani’s Worker Justice Transition Committee, criticized Bangladeshis who take pride in their family members joining the NYPD during a discussion aptly named “What’s App: Our Role in Black Liberation Movements.” She suggested that police officers could turn out to be “murderers.”

In a resurfaced video, she questioned, “What are you proud of? That your relatives will one day become murderers and brutalize our people?” As the organizing director for Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), a nonprofit focused on the rights of South Asian immigrants, her remarks have sparked significant backlash.

Blakeman, now serving as the Nassau County executive, expressed disbelief that Mamdani would host someone who harbors such hostility towards law enforcement. “It’s outrageous that someone who so openly hates cops is part of his team,” he stated.

He further emphasized that Mamdani cannot keep someone on the transition team who disparages law enforcement. “Kazi Fouzia should be fired immediately,” he insisted, calling her comments about police, who risk their lives daily, “offensive, dangerous, and entirely unacceptable.”

Blakeman is running against Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who is aiming for re-election. After winning the Democratic primary, Hochul had endorsed socialist candidate Mamdani over rival Andrew Cuomo for mayor, which has led Republicans to try to link her to Mamdani and the leftist Working Families Party that has advocated for police defunding.

Blakeman has drawn connections between Hochul and Mamdani’s affiliations, criticizing their approach. “By empowering radical activists and linking up with those calling to defund the police, they have made their priorities pretty clear,” he remarked, promising to collaborate with law enforcement if he becomes governor to counter an anti-police agenda.

As for Mamdani and Hochul’s teams, there hasn’t been any immediate response to Blakeman’s comments. Blakeman is intensifying his campaign this month following the unexpected exit of upstate Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik from the gubernatorial race. He has also received a boost with President Trump’s endorsement, which may smooth his path to the Republican nomination.

Historically, no Republican has claimed a statewide office since former Governor George Pataki took office in 2002. Although Hochul enjoys widespread support, polls indicate that a significant portion of New Yorkers would prefer a new governor.