Mayor Mamdani Calls for Disbanding NYPD Protest Unit and Higher Taxes

New York City’s Mayor Zoran Mamdani announced on Wednesday that he believes the NYPD’s protest unit should be disbanded. He also suggested that the city’s wealthiest residents should face higher taxes.

Democrats had previously committed to disbanding the Strategic Response Group (SRG) by December 2024. Mamdani, when questioned, expressed his conviction that the SRG needs to be dissolved. He is currently in talks with the police commissioner about how to do this effectively. “My stance isn’t just about money; it’s more about needing to keep counterterrorism duties separate from police responses to First Amendment activities,” he explained to reporters.

The NYPD describes the SRG on its website as a unit that “responds to citywide mobilizations, civil disturbances, and large-scale events with highly trained personnel and specialized equipment.” They emphasize its importance during parades, protests, and even papal visits.

Mamdani also highlighted a “severe fiscal crisis” in New York City, noting a budget deficit of at least $12 billion. He criticized former Mayor Eric Adams for what he termed a “poisoned chalice,” claiming Adams’s budgeting impacts essential services like rental assistance and education.

Moreover, Mamdani pointed fingers at former Governor Andrew Cuomo, arguing that Cuomo’s administration had used the city’s revenue to cover state budget deficits. “New Yorkers contribute 54.5 percent of state revenue but receive only 40.5 percent back in return. That’s an imbalance,” he stated.

“To tackle this crisis, we need bold solutions, such as restructuring the financial ties between the province and the city. It’s time to impose higher taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and the most profitable businesses,” Mamdani asserted. He emphasized that, historically, it has often been the poorer citizens who bear the brunt of such financial burdens.

“If the top 1% of New Yorkers paid an additional 2% income tax, we could strengthen our city’s financial foundation and also build a better community for everyone,” he added.

In response, Rich Azzopardi, a representative for former Governor Cuomo, criticized Mamdani’s comments. Azzopardi emphasized that under Cuomo, funding for New York City schools increased significantly, along with the state covering billions in Medicaid costs. “Mamdani needs to acknowledge the facts rather than peddling misinformation,” he stated.

Azzopardi continued, arguing that Cuomo had dealt with an $11 billion deficit when he took office, managing to eliminate it through diligence and fiscal discipline—qualities he claims Mamdani lacks. He noted that Mamdani has had opportunities to address the financial imbalances as a state legislator but failed to engage effectively.