Mamdani Defends NYPD Commissioner Tisch Amidst Progressive Calls for Ouster

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has affirmed his confidence in Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, declaring he has "no plans" to remove her from her position. This statement comes amid significant pressure from progressive factions within his political base who have called for Tisch's dismissal. Mamdani made these remarks on Tuesday while appearing alongside Tisch at a press conference to honor fallen officers.

"Jessica Tisch is the police commissioner. I have no plans to change that," Mamdani told reporters. He cited her record of "uprooting corruption from the upper echelons of the NYPD" as the primary reason for her appointment.

Mamdani's defense of Tisch is likely to face criticism from his far-left supporters. These groups have intensified their demands for Tisch's removal and the disbandment of two elite NYPD units, particularly following a recent shooting incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the Bronx.

Despite the internal political pressure, Tisch's tenure has coincided with a significant decrease in crime. NYPD statistics released in July indicated that the first six months of the year saw the lowest number of murders in New York City's history. The number of shootings also reached historic lows during the same period.

Both Mamdani and Tisch attended a memorial ceremony in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday, where the names of 42 officers were added to the New York City Police Memorial Wall. This event marked their first joint public appearance since the Mayor's office announced a review of the department's use-of-force protocols the previous day. Critics have suggested this review is a strategic move by Mamdani to appease his anti-police base.

During the ceremony, 41 of the honorees were recognized as first responders who died from illnesses related to their service on 9/11. NYPD detective Didarul Islam, who was killed in July 2025 during a mass shooting, was also among those remembered.

Mamdani addressed the families of the fallen officers, expressing gratitude for their loved ones' service. "While we cannot fill the silence they left behind, we will refuse to let their memory fade," he stated.

Tisch, in her remarks, thanked Mamdani for his presence and reflected on the importance of remembrance. "Here, we pause. We pause to remember the people who helped make all of that possible, and who lost their lives in service to others," she said.