Mayor Mamdani's Allies Bristle Over Freshman Congresswoman's Push to Fire NYPD Commissioner

Internal friction is surfacing within Mayor Zohran Mamdani's circle as an ally he endorsed, incoming Congresswoman Darializa Avila Chevalier, leads calls for the dismissal of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Sources within City Hall have expressed frustration with Chevalier's public statements and social media activity regarding the recent shooting of an undocumented migrant by ICE agents in the Bronx.

Chevalier, a candidate endorsed by Mamdani, publicly criticized Tisch and the NYPD in the aftermath of the shooting, alleging a violation of the city's sanctuary policies. She also called for the disbandment of the NYPD's Strategic Response Group and for Commissioner Tisch to step down. These statements have reportedly caused consternation among Mamdani's staff, who view Chevalier's actions as a direct undermining of the mayor's positions and support for Tisch.

The situation has become a point of contention, particularly as Mamdani had previously appointed Tisch, a Jewish woman, to her position and had campaigned on a pledge to disband the SRG. The national and local chapters of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), of which both Mamdani and Chevalier are members, have also weighed in. While the NYC DSA chapter called for Tisch's firing if she could not address the situation with ICE, another DSA member and state Senate candidate, Illapa Sairitupac, echoed Chevalier's demands.

Sources indicate that Chevalier, who is poised to win a heavily Democratic congressional seat, is planning further actions, including a potential speech calling for Tisch's removal. City Hall staff reportedly feel Chevalier has been a potential liability since before taking office, with instructions given to campaign volunteers to avoid discussing the mayor. Chevalier herself appears to be distancing herself from Mamdani, despite his endorsement being seen as crucial to her primary victory.