Mayor Mamdani has ignited criticism from readers who accuse him of misplaced sympathies, particularly following the death of inmate Clarence Woodward at Rikers Island. Woodward was convicted of the murder of Jose Miranda, a father of two.
Readers expressed outrage that Mamdani offered condolences for Woodward's death and extended thoughts to his family and loved ones, while making no mention of Miranda or his surviving children. Critics argued this omission was a deliberate political statement and an insult to the victim's family.
"He made no mention of the gruesome death of the victim, Jose Miranda, whose family was insulted by the mayor’s omission," wrote one reader. "This was no oversight but a deliberate political statement, a virtue signal to Mamdani’s legions who share an ideology that views Woodward as a victim of an oppressive society."
Another reader questioned the mayor's priorities: "In what world does a public official grieve the loss of a maniac killer?" The same reader suggested that Mamdani, who advocates for closing Rikers Island, should house inmates at Gracie Mansion if he feels such strong sympathy.
Further discontent was voiced regarding the mayor's alleged exclusion from 9/11 memorial ceremonies. Retired Port Authority police have reportedly insisted that Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani should not be welcomed at these events. Concerns were raised about Mamdani's past statements and affiliations, with some readers citing "Israel-bashing rhetoric and affiliations" as reasons for his disqualification.
One former firefighter, who was critically injured on 9/11, stated they wholeheartedly agreed with the retired police officers' stance. This reader lamented the post-9/11 era of divisiveness, suggesting that Mamdani embodies a sentiment that "hates America more than the 9/11 hijackers."
"Rather than seeing himself as the quintessential example of fulfilling the ‘American Dream,’ he hates America more than the 9/11 hijackers," the reader wrote. "I wish the mayor would show some class for once, stay away and allow us to honor our dead in peace."