NY's 'Defund The Police' Dems Now Back Cops

Shift in Support for Law Enforcement

Following a tragic shooting at a Manhattan office building, several prominent Democrats have shifted their stance on support for law enforcement. The incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old NYPD veteran who had served for four years. Islam, who was married with two children and expecting a third, was reportedly off-duty and working as a security officer for Rudin Management Company when he was killed. He was dressed in his NYPD uniform at the time.

This event has prompted a change in rhetoric from some previously anti-police figures within the Democratic Party. New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, for instance, expressed his condolences to Islam's family and acknowledged his service and sacrifice. This is a significant departure from his past statements, such as a November 2020 post where he wrote, “Queer liberation means defund the police.” Just two days after that post, Mamdani responded with “nature is healing” to a tweet that mocked a police officer crying in his car.

Similarly, Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez extended her sympathy to the victims and their families in a Monday night post. She praised first responders for their bravery. However, this contrasts with her earlier advocacy for defunding the police following the death of George Floyd in 2020. In June 2020, she called for reallocating police budgets to better serve minority communities. A petition to defund the police remains active on her campaign website.

Ocasio-Cortez, along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, supported the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, which aimed to limit police responses to incidents involving Black suspects and other minorities. Both Schumer and Gillibrand addressed the shooting through social media posts, with Schumer delivering remarks on the Senate floor.

Schumer emphasized the significance of Islam’s death, stating, “He died doing what NYPD officers do every day: running towards danger, protecting others, putting his life on the line.” He described the loss as a “rupture in the soul of our city” and urged mourning for those lost. Despite his empathy, Schumer also called for more action to address gun violence in America.

In June 2020, Schumer had taken a softer stance on national “Defund the Police” protests, urging Republicans not to focus on “fringe conspiracy theories.” Meanwhile, Gillibrand, known for her history of supporting gun control, expressed both her condolences to the victims and gratitude to the first responders involved in the incident. She highlighted Officer Islam’s dedication to his community and his courage.

The events surrounding the shooting have sparked a broader conversation about the role of law enforcement and the need for comprehensive solutions to address gun violence. As these prominent figures shift their perspectives, it reflects a complex interplay between personal tragedy, political ideology, and public responsibility.