Staten Island artist and activist Scott LoBaido, 61, suffered a cardiac arrest on Tuesday night after attempting to approach Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a pro-police event. The incident occurred at the NYPD’s 43rd Patrol Borough National Night Out Against Crime at the Midland Beach boardwalk.
Witnesses reported that LoBaido tried to confront Mayor Mamdani after the mayor's remarks. Police held LoBaido back, and shortly thereafter, he stated he was not feeling well and collapsed. Emergency personnel initiated CPR, and LoBaido began breathing again and was given oxygen before being transported to Staten Island University Hospital. A hospital spokesperson confirmed he was in critical but stable condition.
LoBaido, known for his outspoken support of former President Trump and his provocative political stunts, had posted a video on social media prior to the event criticizing Mayor Mamdani. In the video, LoBaido, standing before a painting depicting the mayor, accused Mamdani of humiliating and endangering police officers due to a hiring freeze affecting 5,000 NYPD positions.
During the event, Mayor Mamdani was met with loud jeers and profanities from attendees as he took the stage. He spoke briefly, wishing Staten Islanders a "Happy Night Out Against Crime," before being escorted away.
This is not the first time LoBaido has made headlines for his activism. In the past year, he has been known for actions such as blocking speed cameras with flowers and hanging "Trump Crossing" signs in Manhattan. He was also arrested in March 2024 for allegedly throwing pizza over the gates of City Hall in protest of a proposed ban on coal- and wood-fired pizza ovens.