Mamdani Faces Criticism for Delayed Response to NYPD Shootings, Including from Commish Tisch

Fledgling Mayor Zohran Mamdani has come under fire for his slow response to two recent NYPD-involved shootings. The backlash includes criticism from NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who expressed dissatisfaction with his communication.

Mamdani’s Delayed Response

On Thursday, Mamdani took 16 hours to address the police-involved incidents, despite being informed minutes after they occurred. The initial shooting happened at approximately 5:30 p.m. at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. A former NYPD officer, Michael Lynch, barricaded himself with an elderly patient and a security guard. Lynch, 62, was reported to be holding a makeshift weapon, a broken piece of toilet. Although police attempted to subdue him with Tasers, deadly force was ultimately used, and Lynch was pronounced dead.

The second incident took place close to midnight in Manhattan. A driver, 37-year-old Dmitry Zass, stepped out of his vehicle appearing to brandish a firearm. Cops intervened and fired at Zass, who later died at a local hospital. His gun turned out to be an imitation.

Criticism from Police Leadership

In a statement released after a considerable delay, Mamdani noted that an internal investigation would follow the shootings. His choice of words fueled anger among insiders who interpreted the emphasis on an investigation as implying wrongdoing by the police.

• Mamdani stated: “The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation — I will work with Commissioner Tisch to ensure this is as thorough and swift as possible.”
• This response drew ire from sources who were privy to the real-time updates shared with City Hall.

Commissioner Tisch later publicly praised the police actions as “heroic,” further highlighting the disconnect between her sentiments and Mamdani’s message. She stated, “Officers were engaged in two police-involved shootings, and there is every indication that their actions were nothing short of heroic.”

A Lesson in Public Safety

The criticism comes only days into Mamdani’s administration, drawing comparisons to early blunders made by former Mayor Bill de Blasio involving police relations. Some stakeholders believe that his delayed response has compromised his standing with law enforcement officials.

As New York City grapples with safety and police-community relations, Mamdani’s handling of these incidents may shape his administration’s future strategies and partnerships with the NYPD.

Upcoming Investigations

The New York State Attorney General’s Office has announced it will investigate the road rage incident involving Zass, as is customary in situations where police may have caused a death.