New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's call for New Yorkers to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit has drawn sharp criticism from police union officials. They argue that such rhetoric puts officers in a difficult position and could incite disorder.
Patrick Hendry, president of the NYPD Police Benevolent Association, stated that the mayor's "activist posturing" complicates the department's duty to maintain public safety. "Protests during the UN General Assembly are nothing new, but when the mayor of the city is actively calling for demonstrations, violent agitators will assume they have permission to cause as much havoc as possible," Hendry said. He also noted that the department's ability to manage protests is already impacted by a recent lawsuit settlement.
Mamdani, who has previously expressed a desire to see Netanyahu arrested over alleged war crimes in Gaza, recently acknowledged he does not have the authority to detain the prime minister. Despite this, he encouraged New Yorkers to express their opposition, stating, "This is a city where, if anyone feels a level of frustration or opposition, protest is something that we will always respect... That New Yorkers can express themselves, whether they are in support or in opposition, no matter on whatever topic."
Police officers have recently endured demanding schedules due to several large-scale events, including the FIFA World Cup, NBA finals, Independence Day celebrations, and an America 250 commemoration, which required extended 12-hour shifts. Union representatives voiced concerns that the mayor's statements add an unnecessary burden to an already strained force.
One anonymous Manhattan police officer questioned the timing of Mamdani's remarks, coming so soon after the demanding summer events. A Brooklyn officer described Mamdani as a "cheap politician looking for cheap headlines" who should focus on governing rather than "inciting a riot with his rhetoric." Another veteran officer suggested the mayor should prioritize keeping the peace over inflammatory statements, warning that any harm to officers during demonstrations would be on him.
Despite the criticism, law enforcement officials affirmed their readiness to manage any protests. Scott Munro, president of the NYPD Detectives Endowment Association, assured that detectives are prepared and will conduct their duties with professionalism during the UN General Assembly, which is scheduled to begin in September. Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.