Mamdani Apologizes to NYPD for Past Comments on Fox News

NEW YORK, NY — Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani publicly apologized Wednesday for tweets made five years ago, in which he called the NYPD “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety.” The apology came during an interview on Fox News with host Martha MacCallum.

Mamdani, who previously promised to apologize, stated he had been doing so privately to officers he met during his campaign. This was his first public apology. In the interview, he cited the police killing of George Floyd in 2020 as a catalyst for his initial remarks, explaining that at the time, safety and justice seemed unattainable.

“Absolutely, I would apologize to police officers, right here,” Mamdani said, emphasizing the dangers officers face every day. He noted that current NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch is being considered for his police commissioner, although he has not made any commitments yet.

During the interview, Mamdani also addressed President Donald Trump directly, stating he would welcome discussions on lowering the cost of living, a central issue in the mayoral campaign. However, he criticized his opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, calling him a tool of the wealthy.

Mamdani mentioned that some voters have shifted their support to Trump because of affordability issues, such as grocery prices and rent. “When I’ve spoken to Trump voters right here in New York City, they’ve told me it was cost of living that caused them to vote for Donald Trump,” he said.

As he prepares for a debate with Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, Mamdani defended his plans to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers in order to expand social services and maintain NYPD staffing, countering Cuomo’s proposal to increase police numbers.

“To deliver that justice you have to also deliver that safety,” he explained, advocating for a balance between supporting law enforcement and addressing the needs of marginalized communities. He expressed a desire to represent both the men and women of the NYPD and those who have been victims of police brutality.

Mamdani’s public apology comes as he navigates a tightly contested election, aiming to balance his commitments to social justice with the realities of public safety.