Opinion | Mamdani wisely ignores the DSA and sides with his top cop
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) is showing rare political spine by ignoring the DSA's demand to fire NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
- The controversy stems from an ICE shooting of an illegal immigrant with a criminal record—an operation the NYPD had zero involvement in.
- Congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, backed by the mayor, is leading the charge against Tisch after being jostled at a protest.
- Mamdani promises a top-to-bottom review of the NYPD's use-of-force policy, a classic political dodge to appease both sides.
- The DSA is rallying around a suspect with a rap sheet for robbery and narcotics sales, proving again that ideology trumps common sense.
Brief Summary
In a stunning display of political maturity (or perhaps just self-preservation), New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is refusing to throw his police commissioner under the bus just because his socialist pals are throwing a tantrum. The DSA, the mayor's self-proclaimed 'political home,' is demanding the head of Commissioner Jessica Tisch over an ICE shooting the NYPD had absolutely nothing to do with. The suspect, Oscar Belgal, is an illegal immigrant with a record of robbery and drug dealing, who allegedly rammed his car into federal vehicles with his toddler in the back seat.
Instead of capitulating to the left-wing mob, Mamdani is promising a 'review' and a top-to-bottom look at use-of-force policies—a classic political dodge that allows him to look tough on crime while still feeding the progressive beast. Meanwhile, the DSA is rallying around a convicted criminal, proving once again that their commitment to public safety is as flimsy as their grasp on policy. It's a slap in the face to the loudest voices in his base, but maybe a welcome one for New Yorkers who actually want to live without being mugged.
Why This Matters
This is a tightrope walk that could define Mamdani's entire tenure. If he caves to the DSA, he risks alienating the moderate voters who elected him purely as the lesser evil, and New York could slide back into the crime-riddled nightmare it just clawed out of. If he holds firm, he might actually earn a sliver of respect from anyone who values competence over vibes, setting a precedent that not every violent street criminal with a sob story is a cause célèbre.
The average reader should care because this isn't just about a bureaucratic squabble; it's a test of whether the lunatics have truly taken over the asylum. If the mayor and his allies succeed in ousting a good cop over an incident involving ICE, then every future commissioner will be walking on eggshells, terrified of offending the radicals. You want to know why crime is down? It's because of tough policies like Tisch's. Gut that, and you're back to paying for 'summer youth employment programs' while your car gets stolen.