New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has instructed police brass and City Hall officials to revisit the future of the NYPD's Strategic Response Group (SRG), an elite counter-terrorist and protest unit. This move comes as Mamdani seeks to address a campaign promise to disband the unit, which he had previously placed on the "backburner."
Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that Mamdani is working to craft a policy change that would satisfy his progressive base while navigating the complexities of policing in New York City. The urgency for this review appears to have been amplified by pressure from newly elected House member-elect Darializa Avila Chevalier, whom Mamdani endorsed. Chevalier had publicly called for the SRG's disbandment and the resignation of the police commissioner.
Mamdani's administration has expressed frustration with Chevalier's public criticisms, particularly since she is dating the mayor's City Hall attorney. The SRG, responsible for responding to terrorist attacks and large-scale protests, has been a contentious issue. Critics argue the unit has no place in policing First Amendment demonstrations, while proponents contend it is essential for handling mass shootings and maintaining public safety.
The SRG's role in protests has drawn scrutiny, with past incidents involving crowd control tactics leading to backlash. Although the unit's primary mission is counter-terrorism, it has been involved in demonstrations when arrests are necessary or protests become non-peaceful. So far this year, the unit has responded to a limited number of protests, resulting in fewer than 10 arrests.
Discussions about the SRG's future have reportedly intensified in recent days, with an announcement anticipated soon. The specifics of any policy change remain to be finalized, but sources suggest a decision could come as early as next week. The SRG's potential disbandment presents a challenge, as it is the primary unit tasked with responding to mass casualty events.