New York City Mayor Supports Police Commissioner Amid Protests

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on Tuesday that he has “no plans” to dismiss NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. This announcement comes as some members of his democratic socialist group are calling for Tisch’s removal, following a recent protest related to an ICE-involved shooting in the Bronx.

During a ceremony to honor fallen NYPD officers, Mamdani addressed questions regarding Tisch’s position. “Jessica Tisch is the police commissioner. I have no plans to change that,” he told reporters.

He elaborated, saying, “I chose to appoint Jessica Tisch because of her efforts to eliminate corruption from the higher ranks of the NYPD while achieving a reduction in crime throughout the city.” Mamdani mentioned that their collaboration over the past ten months has resulted in the lowest number of murders and shootings recorded in the city’s history.

The mayor’s defense of Tisch follows a statement from the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which called for her ouster after the ICE shooting incident. In this event, a 28-year-old Dominican man named Oscar Belgal was shot while allegedly resisting arrest during a federal immigration operation.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident unfolded as agents attempted to apprehend Belgal. A spokesperson from City Hall noted that Mamdani is currently reviewing the shooting’s circumstances but reiterated that he does not intend to remove Tisch.

Scott Munro, president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association, expressed his support for Tisch, stating that he believes she is fulfilling her role effectively as crime rates have decreased.

On Tuesday, Mamdani and Tisch participated together at the New York City Police Memorial to commemorate 42 NYPD members who have fallen in the line of duty, including those who died due to September 11-related illnesses and Detective First Grade Didarul Islam, who was killed in a mass shooting in 2025.

During the ceremony, Mamdani honored the memory of the fallen officers and their families, emphasizing, “While we cannot feel the silence they left behind, we will refuse to let their memory fade.”

Earlier in the week, Mamdani directed the NYPD to conduct a thorough review of its use-of-force policies and practices, announcing plans for reforms that improve accountability in cases of serious officer misconduct.