New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reiterated his support for disbanding the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, stating that counterterrorism functions should be kept separate from responses to First Amendment-protected protests. Speaking at a press conference, Mamdani said, “I believe that we should have a focus on counterterrorism that is separate from our response to the use of first amendment.” His comments came in the context of recent arrests of demonstrators, including some of his political allies, during protests surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s appearance at the United Nations in New York. The mayor has maintained this position since his mayoral campaign, arguing that the unit’s dual responsibilities contribute to overly aggressive policing of large-scale political demonstrations.

The Strategic Response Group handles both specialized counterterrorism duties and crowd control at major events and protests. Mamdani has long contended that combining these roles leads to heavier-handed tactics against peaceful or First Amendment-protected activities. He has indicated ongoing discussions with the police commissioner about operational ways to eliminate the unit while ensuring public safety. The stance reflects a broader campaign promise to reform how the NYPD manages demonstrations, emphasizing a clearer separation between security threats and the right to protest.