The shooting last week on Park Avenue shook New York to its core. It was a senseless act of violence, and like every tragedy before it, it tested this city. But as we always do, New Yorkers rose up. We stood together. Because in the face of adversity, we unify. That’s who we are.
It was a solemn reminder that public safety is job #1, and we must take it seriously. That means fully funding and supporting the NYPD. When I’m mayor, I’ll add 5,000 police officers to the force — bringing staffing levels back to where they were under Mayors Dinkins and Giuliani — and offer bonuses and incentive pay to recruit and retain top talent. You can watch my press conference outlining the plan here.
Unfortunately, not everyone agrees. For years, Zohran Mamdani supported the “defund the police” movement. He wants to eliminate the NYPD’s role in responding to hate crimes, domestic violence, and traffic stops — the very interventions that save lives. Even more dangerously, Mamdani wants to disband the specialized police unit that responded to the Park Avenue shooting and helped prevent further loss of life. That kind of thinking isn’t just misguided, it’s reckless, and it puts New Yorkers at risk.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been in every borough — from NYCHA Family Days in Harlem and Brooklyn, to Hindu temples in Queens, to small businesses in Staten Island and the Bronx. What I hear everywhere is that New Yorkers want safety, affordability, and competence from City Hall.
