NYPD says Mamdani’s rhetoric fuels ‘security nightmare’ for Netanyahu visit - report
As Netanyahu prepares to address the UN in New York, NYPD officials are warning that protests and political rhetoric could create additional risks for officers and the public.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has warned that Mayor Zohran Mamdani's rhetoric is creating a "security nightmare" ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's September visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The NYPD sources pointed to Mamdani's recent public statements, which include calls for Netanyahu's arrest and encouraging public protests against the Prime Minister.
The NYPD claims that Mamdani's words have escalated the security situation from a "category 1 hurricane" to a "category 5".
The department expects Netanyahu's visit to require substantial, presidential-level security, with up to 60 or more officers possibly involved. NYPD sources expressed concern over protesters potentially becoming vigilantes and endangering the Prime Minister's safety. They also expressed worry that protesters who believe they are acting on the mayor's behalf could cause harm to officers.
The NYPD highlighted a previous bomb attempt outside Gracie Mansion in March, carried out by two men from Pennsylvania inspired by ISIS. They expressed fear that a similar attack could occur during Netanyahu's visit. Furthermore, a NYC government source expressed concern over the increase in antisemitism in the city, which they linked to Mamdani's stance on Israel.
Mamdani's history of anti-Netanyahu rhetoric dates back to his 2025 New York City mayoral campaign, when he pledged to arrest Netanyahu and seek to enforce International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants if elected. Despite this pledge being later debunked, Mamdani continued to accuse Netanyahu of being responsible for a "genocide against the Palestinian people" and blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
