Mayor Mamdani Addresses Calls to Remove NYPD Commissioner Tisch

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on Tuesday he has no plans to dismiss NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. This comes amid demands from democratic socialist allies calling for Tisch’s removal after protests over an ICE-involved shooting in the Bronx.

During a ceremony honoring fallen NYPD officers, Mamdani was questioned about Tisch’s position as the department’s head. Mamdani affirmed, “Jessica Tisch is the police commissioner. I have no plans to change that.” He emphasized Tisch’s history of fighting corruption and reducing crime, noting achievements such as the city’s lowest murder and shooting rates recorded over the past ten months.

The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) recently called for Tisch’s removal after last week’s ICE shooting and urged Mamdani to expel ICE from New York City. The demands followed the shooting of Oscar Belgal during a federal immigration operation in the Bronx. Department of Homeland Security reports indicate Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican national, was shot after allegedly resisting officers’ orders during an ICE operation meant to arrest him.

A City Hall spokesperson conveyed that Mamdani is reviewing the shooting incident’s details but has no intentions of removing Tisch. Scott Munro, president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association, representing active and retired NYPD detectives, expressed confidence in Mamdani’s support for the police commissioner. He noted that crime rates had decreased and Tisch was effectively fulfilling her duties.

Mamdani and Tisch attended the New York City Police Memorial on Tuesday, honoring 42 fallen NYPD members, with 41 having succumbed to illnesses related to the September 11 attacks. The ceremony also recognized Detective First Grade Didarul Islam, who was killed in a 2025 mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan.

During the event, Mamdani paid tribute to the deceased officers and their families. He remarked, “While we cannot feel the silence they left behind, we will refuse to let their memory fade.” Mamdani has instructed the NYPD to conduct an exhaustive review of its use-of-force policies and practices. He further announced reforms aimed at enhancing accountability when officers face serious misconduct allegations.