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🇮🇱 Israel /Crime & Justice

NYPD says mayor's rhetoric fuels 'security nightmare' for Netanyahu visit

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • NYPD officials are criticizing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his rhetoric regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit.
  • Police sources stated that Mamdani's calls for Netanyahu's arrest and encouragement of protests create a

New York City Police Department officials are expressing strong criticism of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, stating his public statements have created a "security nightmare" ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit next month. Netanyahu is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, a visit that will require "presidential-level security," according to NYPD sources speaking to The New York Post.

Basically, he's turning what would be considered a Category 1 hurricane that we deal with every year into a Category 5 because of his words.

— NYPD sourceDescribing the increased security challenges due to Mayor Mamdani's rhetoric.

NYPD sources told the Post that Mamdani's rhetoric, which includes calls for Netanyahu's arrest and encouragement for public protests, escalates the security challenges. "Basically, he's turning what would be considered a Category 1 hurricane that we deal with every year into a Category 5 because of his words," one source said. "We have to protect hotels; we have to protect wherever dignitaries go out to eat; we have to protect everything. Having the mayor say, ‘Go ahead and protest, and he should be arrested’ is unfair to your own officers."

We have to protect hotels; we have to protect wherever dignitaries go out to eat; we have to protect everything. Having the mayor say, ‘Go ahead and protest, and he should be arrested’ is unfair to your own officers.

— NYPD sourceExplaining the burden placed on officers by the mayor's statements.

With Netanyahu's full schedule still unknown, the exact number of officers needed for his security detail remains uncertain. However, one source indicated that up to 60 officers, including direct and peripheral personnel, could be involved. Police are concerned about potential vigilante actions by protesters, with one source questioning, "What's going to stop one of the protesters from becoming a vigilante and trying to hurt or, God forbid, kill him?" Officers also worry that protesters acting on the mayor's behalf "could cause an officer to get hurt or even killed."

What’s going to stop one of the protesters from becoming a vigilante and trying to hurt or, God forbid, kill him?

— NYPD sourceExpressing concern about potential violence from protesters.

NYPD officials are also concerned about the possibility of a terrorist attack, referencing a March incident where a bomb was discovered outside Gracie Mansion. Two men, allegedly inspired by ISIS, reportedly attempted to detonate bombs during a protest. "His rhetoric is reckless," one official stated. "It emboldens radical and uns

His rhetoric is reckless. It emboldens radical and uns

— NYPD officialCommenting on the potential for terrorist attacks during Netanyahu's visit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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