NYPD says Mamdani’s rhetoric fuels ‘security nightmare’ for Netanyahu visit - report

NYPD officials criticize New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for rhetoric that they say creates a security nightmare ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's September visit for the UN General Assembly. Sources claim Mamdani's calls for arrest and protests escalate risks, potentially requiring up to 60 officers for security. Concerns include vigilante attacks and terrorism, referencing a March bomb incident.

The New York City Police Department is criticizing Mayor Zohran Mamdani for creating what officials describe as a security nightmare ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to New York in September. Netanyahu is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 26. NYPD sources said the visit will require substantial, presidential-level security, pointing to Mamdani's recent public statements against the prime minister, including calls for his arrest and encouragement for the public to protest. One source compared the situation to turning a category 1 hurricane into a category 5. Up to 60 or more officers could be part of the security detail. Officers worry that protesters acting on the mayor's behalf could cause harm to officers or the prime minister. A source recalled a bomb discovered outside Gracie Mansion in March, allegedly planted by ISIS-inspired individuals. Mamdani's rhetoric is described as reckless, emboldening radical agitators. A city government source linked Mamdani's stance to an uptick in antisemitism and warned of a powder keg situation. Mamdani has a history of anti-Netanyahu rhetoric, pledging to arrest him and enforce ICC warrants, though he later admitted lacking authority. He continues to accuse Netanyahu of genocide and blocking humanitarian aid.