New Appointment Sparks Controversy

Zoran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor from the Socialist party, has made a controversial decision by appointing Zakiyya Shaakir-Ansari, a known admirer of infamous police killer Assata Shakur, as an advisor on public school matters, according to reports.

Shaakir-Ansari, who serves as the co-executive director of the Alliance for Quality Education—a far-left activist organization previously led by Cynthia Nixon of “Sex and the City” fame—joined Mamdani’s transition committee for youth and education just last week.

In a discussion with Lingua Franca, when asked to name a woman from history with whom he would want to spend time, Shaakir-Ansari expressed admiration for Shakur, stating, “I think she has a lot to offer. Given her past with the Black Panthers, what wisdom might she share for Black women in advancing the movement while supporting each other?”

Assata Shakur, whose real name is Joan Deborah Chesimard, was convicted in the brutal murder of New Jersey State Police Officer Werner Foerster in 1973. The events unfolded when she was stopped for a broken taillight. During a confrontation, she shot and killed Foerster, who had been called in as backup.

She was involved with both the Black Liberation Army and the Black Panthers, two militant groups from the 1970s. In 1977, she was convicted of murder and assault, but in a remarkable escape two years later, members of her group freed her from a correctional facility, hijacking a prison transport vehicle in the process.

Shakur eventually found refuge in Cuba in 1984, where she was granted asylum. She was placed on the FBI’s list of most wanted terrorists as the so-called “Fugitive Slave of the 20th Century.” This title certainly adds to her notoriety.

The reaction from New York’s law enforcement community has been sharply negative. Grace Matchett, whose husband was killed on duty in 1989, remarked that supporting someone who killed a police officer is simply unacceptable. She highlighted the shared pain of families who have lost officers, noting, “If someone kills a police officer, I don’t care where they’re from—families stand united.”

Former NYPD lieutenant Eric Dimm expressed disbelief at Mamdani’s choice, suggesting it was not a mistake but a deliberate decision that could undermine police morale. He articulated concern over the message such an appointment sends regarding the sacrifices made by police officers.

Others, like John Macari, another former NYPD lieutenant, echoed these sentiments. He recognized Shaakir-Ansari’s right to her views but criticized her role in shaping educational policy in a city where many police families are entrusting their children’s education to the system.

Despite the backlash, Shaakir-Ansari has a significant background in education activism and has been recognized as one of the “25 Most Influential People in Brooklyn” by City and State New York Magazine in 2017. Additionally, she is developing a fashion line for 2024 and has gathered substantial funds for it through GoFundMe.

During his campaign, Mamdani appeared to sidestep criticism regarding the Democratic Socialists of America’s tribute to police killers. After Shakur’s death on September 25, the DSA issued a statement to honor her legacy, indicating their commitment to fighting for freedom.

When the Post sought clarification from Mamdani about this tribute, he shifted the focus back to his role as mayor, emphasizing his accountability to the residents of New York City. His stance raises questions about the implications of appointing advisors with such controversial backgrounds.

Joe Giacolone, a former NYPD sergeant and academic, pointed to an unsettling trend, suggesting that NYC is facing a “rude awakening” with such appointments. “You can easily see what’s happening here, and it’s hard to deny the implications,” he noted.

The conversation around this appointment continues to unfold, with many questioning what it means for the city moving forward.