Brooklyn, N.Y. — Zoran Mamdani addressed reporters on Sunday, highlighting a recent shooting in New York City as yet another instance of the city’s ongoing gun violence issue. The New York Police Chief, Jessica Tish, confirmed that this incident resulted in 12 casualties, including three fatalities, and is believed to involve gang-related activity. The shooting occurred at a lounge in the Crown Heights neighborhood.
During a campaign event in Prospect Park, Mamdani expressed his concern, stating that such incidents exemplify the “tragedy of gun violence” affecting the city significantly. Just three weeks prior, he reminded the public of a mass shooting in midtown Manhattan that marked the deadliest event in 25 years, resulting in four deaths before the gunman took his own life.
Mamdani emphasized the need for increased funding in programs that have been effective in tackling gun violence, particularly to enhance New York’s crisis management system. He proposed boosting investment in the Community Safety Bureau, recalling past comments he made reaching out for funding to support the NYPD after the recent shooting in Manhattan.
When asked if he regretted previous statements regarding police funding, Mamdani referred back to the public’s reactions following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. His remarks about police funding sparked criticism from his opponents, especially former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who took issue with Mamdani’s stance and highlighted the importance of the NYPD.
As the incumbent mayor, Eric Adams claimed his administration has been effective in reducing crime by targeting illegal firearms in the city. He reaffirmed this commitment, stating the city will continue its efforts to remove such weapons from the streets.
Cuomo responded to the recent shooting by calling it “another horrible mass shooting” and expressed his condolences for the victims and their families. He emphasized that public safety is paramount, advocating for more police presence instead of calls to dismantle or defund law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate and CEO of the Guardian Angels, commented on the tragedy, asserting that Mamdani’s radical policies only worsen the situation and vowing to restore law and order in the city.
