Zohran Mamdani retracts defund police stance in NYC mayoral race

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Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral candidate in New York, is facing criticism for his past comments supporting defunding the police. This issue came to light at a recent National Night Out Against Crime event in the city, where his opponent, Mayor Eric Adams, called him out for changing his stance.

During a press conference, Adams stated, “You can’t suddenly become pro-public safety just to win an election. That’s not how it works.” He accused Mamdani of being inconsistent and questioned his motives.

Mamdani has been under fire following a tragic shooting incident in Manhattan last month, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including an NYPD officer. He has been trying to clarify his position on police reform, emphasizing the need for a Department of Community Safety to handle certain emergencies related to mental health.

Despite facing criticism, Mamdani continues to advocate for police reform, suggesting changes to the current system to address issues such as forced overtime for officers and the need for mental health professionals to respond to certain calls.

While Mamdani has faced backlash for his past comments on defunding the police, he has reiterated his commitment to working with law enforcement to ensure public safety. This shift in stance has drawn both praise and skepticism from voters as the mayoral race heats up in New York.