New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after suggesting that an expanded definition of rape, alongside survivors reporting past incidents, has contributed to an increase in reported rape statistics.
Mamdani made these remarks during an interview with PIX11 News when asked about concerns regarding rape and felony assault numbers in the city. He contrasted the rape statistics with what he described as historically low murder and shooting rates reported by the NYPD. "And what I think is important to know is a lot of the increase in rape also comes from an expanded definition of what counts as rape, as well as survivors coming forward for acts that took place years prior," Mamdani stated. "And we are thankful for them coming forward, the courage and the bravery it takes, but just to provide New Yorkers with that context."
Mamdani's comments sparked immediate backlash from various figures. Democratic New York City Council member Susan Zhuang responded on X, writing, "Expanding the legal definition of rape was an important step toward recognizing more survivors under the law. But it should never be used to deflect from the responsibility to reduce sexual violence. Survivors deserve leadership, action, accountability, and justice. They don’t deserve deflection."
Women's activist Riley Gaines questioned voters' choices, asking, "HOW did women vote for this guy?" Republican Texas Rep. Chip Roy criticized the city's leadership, stating, "Rapes are up. Rents are up. Foreign diseases and parasites spreading. Historic Churches burning left and right. Elect the third world, get the third world."
Other commentators also weighed in. Outkick founder Clay Travis alluded to rising rents, joking, "Sure, New York City rents hit an all-time record high today, but at least the mayor is still very eloquent on social medi…whoops!" Pro-Israel activist Lizzy Savetzky remarked, "Didn’t realize rape had a dynamic definition."
Mamdani's office was reached out to for comment by Fox News Digital. The mayor's reference to an expanded definition likely pertains to New York's Rape is Rape Act, signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul in January 2024 and effective in September of the same year. This legislation broadened the legal definition of rape from only nonconsensual or forcibly compelled vaginal penetration by a penis to include nonconsensual or forcibly compelled sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct, or anal sexual conduct.
However, recent NYPD CompStat data indicates a 6.6% increase in reported rape cases compared to the same period last year, even after the definition change. The same data also showed decreases in murder, theft, robbery, burglary, and grand larceny.