Pragmatic Leadership. Mamdani shows he's willing to evolve his positions based on evidence, acknowledging NYPD reforms while maintaining oversight of the database's implementation.
109D AGOLOCALNYC MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI
Mamdani Takes Back Gang Database Opposition, Citing NYPD Reforms
What's the gist?
Mayor Mamdani signals openness to keeping the controversial NYPD gang database after reforms, backing away from his campaign promise to abolish the racially-skewed surveillance tool.
Context
As a candidate, Mamdani called the database a "vast dragnet" targeting young people of color and pledged to eliminate it entirely alongside other police reforms.
Positive takes
Public Safety Focus. With recent gang violence including a 7-month-old's tragic death, supporters argue the reformed database could help prevent retaliatory shootings and protect communities.
Reform Over Abolition. Rather than eliminating a potentially useful tool entirely, Mamdani appears focused on ensuring proper safeguards and accountability measures are in place.
Negative takes
Broken Campaign Promise. Critics see this as another example of Mamdani abandoning progressive pledges that helped him win office, joining a growing list of reversed positions.
Perpetuating Racial Profiling. Civil rights advocates argue that 98% of database entries are Black and Hispanic New Yorkers, making reforms insufficient to address systemic discrimination.
Caving to Police Pressure. Progressive supporters worry Mamdani is being outmaneuvered by Commissioner Tisch, who continues defending controversial policing tools he promised to eliminate.
— by VoiceWhat's Voice? Read this.
News sources
- 01
Charles Lane · Gothamist · April 10, 2026
- 02
The New York Times Staff · The New York Times · April 9, 2026
- 03
Politico Staff · Politico · April 7, 2026
- 04
Josephine Stratman · New York Daily News · April 6, 2026
- 05
New York Post Staff · New York Post · April 10, 2026
Social takes
- 01
@legalaidnyc.bsky.social · Bluesky · Negative take
- 02
@joewrote · Twitter · Negative take
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