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EXCLUSIVE: Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa criticized his socialist opponent Zohran Mamdani for what he perceives as hypocrisy regarding the armed security Mamdani has recently had.
Sliwa told Fox News Digital on Wednesday, “It is very interesting that as he returns from Uganda today, he’s being escorted by NYPD armed police officers who provide him with security 24 hours a day. So, in typical political fashion, that’s why I don’t trust any politicians. ‘Do as I say, but not as I do.’ He’s protected by armed NYPD, but he advocates for social workers for everyone else.”
Mamdani has faced backlash for his previous calls to defund the police during the 2020 George Floyd riots, as well as his remarks about the NYPD. Despite this, Mamdani has enjoyed armed security while suggesting sending mental health workers to crime calls.
The New York Post reported that Mamdani’s family compound in Uganda, where he celebrated his wedding, was safeguarded by heavily armed security.
Sliwa emphasized his refusal to take a police detail, opting for officers to protect the public instead. He criticized Mamdani for accepting armed security from the NYPD while promoting social workers for others. Sliwa also questioned Mamdani’s pledge to disband the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group.
Sliwa raised concerns about Mamdani’s anti-Israel positions and his potential handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. He vowed to maintain order in the city and ensure that demonstrations adhere to the law.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Mamdani campaign for a response.
Mamdani addressed his past comments during a news conference, attempting to distance himself from his previous calls to defund the police. He acknowledged that his past tweets were “out of step” with the current situation and attributed them to frustration over George Floyd’s death.
Mamdani defended his need for increased security, stating that his life has changed and he faces more threats now. He expressed gratitude for the precautions taken, including the NYPD security detail in New York City.
Fox News Digital’s Peter Pinedo contributed to this report
