Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, is upset with his successor Zoran Mamdani—whom he refers to as a socialist—and argues that the city should remove homeless individuals from the streets, especially after several fatalities occurred during an intense cold snap.
“New York City just witnessed what it’s like to have both a Democratic and Communist mayor,” Giuliani expressed on X. “The policy for homeless individuals was to take them off the streets as winter weather arrives, back when I was mayor and even before.”
Since taking office in January, Mamdani has pledged to change the city’s treatment of homelessness, intending to end the encampment raids previously led by former Mayor Eric Adams, who resigned last month.
Giuliani criticized Mamdani’s shift in policy, highlighting that the current mayor allows homeless people to remain on the streets if they refuse assistance. He pointed out, “During the recent storms, ten people were found dead on the streets. Isn’t this at least a careless disregard for human life?”
His comments come as at least six individuals connected to the shelter system have been reported dead amid the extreme cold since Saturday. Moreover, three additional fatalities have been linked to the weather, with a significant number suspected of dying from hypothermia.
Mamdani reiterated his stance on a frigid Tuesday, stating that people would only be removed if they pose a danger to themselves or others. “This is a last resort,” he explained. “The first step is to inform homeless New Yorkers across the five boroughs about the available options. We won’t leave someone exposed to the cold if they’re a threat to themselves or someone else.”
