NYC Mayor Stands by Police Commissioner Amid Calls for Removal

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared on Tuesday that he has no intention of dismissing NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, despite pressure from democratic socialist allies for her removal. The calls for Tisch’s dismissal came after protests erupted in response to an ICE-involved shooting in the Bronx.

Mamdani addressed the future of Tisch while attending a ceremony that honored fallen NYPD officers. When asked about Tisch’s position, he stated, “Jessica Tisch is the police commissioner. I have no plans to change that.” He highlighted Tisch’s history of tackling corruption within the NYPD and credited her for contributing to a reduction in crime.

The mayor emphasized their achievements, noting, “Over the last 10 months that we’ve worked together, we have delivered the lowest recorded number of murders in our city’s history, the lowest recorded number of shootings, as well as shooting victims.”

The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) demanded Tisch’s removal following the ICE shooting, urging Mamdani to use his influence to expel ICE from New York City. This followed the incident where Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican national, was shot during an ICE operation in the Bronx.

Belgal allegedly resisted officers’ commands during a targeted arrest operation, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security. Afterward, a City Hall representative confirmed that Mamdani is reviewing the shooting’s circumstances but has no plans to discharge Tisch.

Scott Munro, president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association, echoed Mamdani’s support for Tisch, citing the city’s declining crime rates as evidence that she is effectively fulfilling her role.

Mamdani and Tisch participated in a ceremony at the New York City Police Memorial, paying tribute to 42 fallen NYPD officers. This included 41 who died from September 11-related illnesses and Detective First Grade Didarul Islam, killed in a 2025 Midtown Manhattan mass shooting.

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

Earlier, Mamdani instructed the NYPD to conduct a thorough review of its use-of-force policies. He also announced reforms to improve accountability when officers face allegations of serious misconduct.