Former NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly expressed concern on Sunday that electing socialist mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani would lead to a “major proportional tragedy.” Kelly, who served under Democratic mayors Mike Bloomberg and David Dinkins, cited fears about Mamdani’s potential impact on police resources and overall public safety.
“If Mamdani becomes mayor of such a significant city, that would be a serious problem,” Kelly stated during an appearance on WABC 770 AM’s “Cats Roundtable.” He voiced particular worries about Mamdani’s untested ideas for policing.
Describing New York as the “capital of capitalism,” Kelly criticized Mamdani for lacking real-world experience, remarking, “This guy basically had no job.” He reiterated that the risks associated with hiring a socialist mayor in a major city are simply too great.
Kelly went on to explain his belief that Mamdani, currently a state legislator in Queens, would likely divert resources from the NYPD, particularly with his plans for a new community safety sector aimed at dealing with mental health and homelessness issues.
“My main worry is how he might alter the police department,” Kelly noted, suspecting that Mamdani might reduce its size to fund new initiatives. “He talks about starting bold projects, but it’s unclear what that really means for the police,” he added.
Kelly highlighted that the NYPD is already facing a significant loss of officers and that many are resigning at alarming rates due to dissatisfaction with current conditions.
Addressing Mamdani’s socialist agenda, Kelly questioned, “What model does he have in mind? Venezuela? Nicaragua?” He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of socialism, warning that it could drain resources and harm New York’s future.
“Envisioning that kind of government is harmful for the city,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of quality of life for New Yorkers.
Though the Mamdani campaign did not respond to Kelly’s criticisms, Mamdani previously defended his earlier remarks condemning the NYPD as a “major threat” to public safety. In a recent interview with WNYC Radio, he seemed to distance himself from those past comments, stating, “No, I won’t” when asked if he still held those views.
Facing threats during the campaign, Mamdani will now have NYPD protection as he aims for the Democratic mayoral nomination. He noted that police officers are crucial for creating a safe environment for all city residents.
Mamdani expressed a desire to refocus police efforts on serious crime while also planning new offices for community safety, emphasizing the need for support in mental health and homelessness issues.
