The communist Zohran Mamdani was booed at a New York police event after criticizing the security forces

The socialist mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, was met with loud boos and protests during his participation in one of the city's main police support events, an episode that his critics interpreted as a sign of the rejection he faces among segments of the population concerned about safety and support for the New York Police Department (NYPD).

The incident occurred on Tuesday during the ''National Night Against Crime'' event organized by the 43rd Precinct of the NYPD in Staten Island, an annual celebration that brings together police officers, families, and residents to promote cooperation between law enforcement and communities. About 3,500 people attended the event.

Mamdani took the stage intending to address the audience, but his speech lasted less than a minute before a significant portion of the crowd began to boo him, interrupt him, and demand that he leave the venue. Among the shouts heard were phrases like ''get out of here'' and ''nobody wants you,'' while the mayor tried to continue his speech without being able to overcome the crowd's rejection.

In light of the intensity of the protests, Mamdani finally thanked the audience with his usual gesture of placing his hand on his heart, waved, and left the stage smiling while insults and expressions of disapproval continued. An organizer attempted to regain control of the event, but the crowd maintained their criticism and continued to express their rejection of the municipal leader.

The episode generated a strong reaction among Mamdani's opponents, who used the moment to question his political record and his positions on the police. Some conservative commentators pointed out that the reception reflected the dissatisfaction of workers and residents of New York who believe that the mayor's policies have weakened public safety.

Criticism of Mamdani dates back to his electoral campaign when he was heavily questioned for his prior support of movements advocating for police funding cuts. His detractors recall that the mayor was one of the political figures associated with the ''defund the police'' agenda and argue that his proposals generated concern among sectors demanding a greater police presence in light of rising crime.

After taking office, his critics pointed to the decisions included in his municipal budget, which contemplated cuts to NYPD funding and the cancellation of plans to hire thousands of new officers. Opponents argue that these measures contradict the demands of many communities seeking to strengthen the police's response capacity.

Mamdani also faced scrutiny for his handling of an incident that occurred in February in Washington Square Park, known as ''Snowballgate.'' During that episode, a group of approximately 100 people threw snowballs at NYPD officers, leaving two police officers injured. The mayor's critics claimed that his response was too lenient, after he described those responsible as ''kids'' involved in a snowball fight and did not condemn the act more firmly.

Many argue that the reaction in Staten Island evidences a growing distance between the mayor and sectors of the working class and communities that have traditionally advocated for a tougher stance against crime. They also question the difference between the promises made during his campaign and the practical consequences of his policies, especially regarding safety and public spending.