NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Domestic Violence Survivors Blast NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani Over Anti-Police Remarks: “Lives Are at Stake”
Zohran Mamdani, a progressive New York City mayoral candidate and self-described democratic socialist, is facing fierce backlash from domestic violence survivors and victims’ advocates over past comments in which he criticized police involvement in domestic abuse cases.
In a 2020 podcast appearance that recently resurfaced, Mamdani stated that law enforcement should not be responsible for responding to situations such as domestic violence, suggesting instead that “people trained” in specific areas should take over roles currently handled by police.
“Police do not create safety… if somebody is jaywalking, if somebody is surviving, going through domestic violence… those situations would be far better handled by people trained to deal with those specific situations, as opposed to an individual with a gun,” Mamdani said on the Immigrantly podcast.
The Response: “Lives Are on the Line”
Those remarks have sparked outrage among survivors and advocates who say Mamdani’s vision is dangerously naive and undermines the lifesaving role police often play in emergency situations.
Michelle Esquenazi, founder of the Victims Rights Reform Council, told Fox News Digital:
“They’re hiding in the bathroom with their children, and they need someone to come immediately. It’s a matter of life and death.”
Esquenazi recalled her own terrifying experience in 1993, when pregnant and attacked by her ex-husband in their Queens home. She credits police with saving her life:
“They made sure that me and my children… were safe. They separated him from the situation immediately.”
Mamdani’s Record and Policy Platform
Mamdani was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020 and has built a political identity around anti-police sentiment, previously calling the NYPD “wicked and corrupt” and openly pushing for defunding the department.
His mayoral campaign website now proposes replacing police in certain roles with a new “Department of Community Safety”—a civilian-led agency that would handle mental health crises, homelessness, and domestic disturbances.
Although Mamdani appeared to walk back parts of that position during a recent mayoral debate—saying he would “work with the police”—his earlier statements are drawing scrutiny now that he is vying for executive leadership of America’s largest city.
“Pipe Dreams” vs. Reality
Jennifer Harrison, also a domestic violence survivor and executive director of the Victims Rights Reform Council, detailed her own frightening encounter involving a mentally ill boyfriend in 2017. When police were called, they temporarily hospitalized the man and later warned her when he was being released.
“That cop probably saved my life… I don’t think we should be playing Russian roulette with the lives of domestic violence victims.”
She called Mamdani’s proposals “pipe dreams” and “smokescreens,” warning that policies like his have already failed in practice.
Experts and Critics Weigh In
Criticism is not only coming from survivors and conservatives. Even feminist organizations expressed concern about Mamdani’s approach.
Sonia Ossorio, Executive Director of the National Organization for Women NYC, said:
“The number one cause of death and major injury for women in this country is done at the hands of their intimate partner… Law enforcement that is trained and has the resources to intervene is critical.”
Meanwhile, Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa warned bluntly:
“Women will die, and children will die. He either doesn’t understand what goes on, or he hates the police so much he doesn’t care.”
The Data Backs the Fear
According to a 2021 study published in the World Journal of Psychiatry, domestic violence is the leading cause of homicide death for women in the U.S. Nearly 1 in 3 women will experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lives.
These sobering statistics emphasize the need for fast, trained, and force-capable response in life-threatening situations—something critics say only law enforcement can reliably provide.
No Comment from the Candidate
Despite growing backlash, Mamdani has not responded to media requests regarding his 2020 remarks. Fox News Digital noted that Mamdani, as well as fellow candidates Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo, declined to comment.
The silence only adds to the concerns of critics, many of whom argue that any candidate for mayor must be willing to confront the real consequences of public safety policy.
Final Thoughts
The debate over policing in domestic violence cases isn’t just academic—it’s life or death for thousands of women and children across New York City. While reform is always worth considering, removing police from volatile domestic situations may be a step too far for many voters.
As Mamdani’s campaign continues, so will the pressure—from victims, voters, and survivors demanding that their safety not become a political experiment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ6fCSSfaAI
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
