New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani remained mum on Tuesday during his first joint press conference with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, as the city grapples with its contentious gang database. The program, which contains thousands of people believed to be associated with gangs, has been criticized for unfairly targeting young New Yorkers of color and sparking concerns about racial profiling.
Mamdani's silence on the issue is a stark contrast to his campaign promise to dismantle the database, which he deemed a "vast dragnet" that punishes innocent individuals. Critics argue that the tracker is not only ineffective but also invasive, with many people incorrectly labeled as gang members and subjected to lengthy interrogations.
Tisch defended the database, citing its role in preventing shootings and reducing gun violence. However, this argument has been disputed by community groups like We Build The Block, which claims that the police are not equipped to address the root causes of gang violence.
The NYPD maintains that the database is an invaluable tool for solving crimes, but critics point out that it relies on flawed algorithms and lacks transparency. A federal lawsuit, filed by a coalition of advocates in April 2025, alleges that the database violates multiple constitutional amendments and local laws.
As Mamdani faces pressure from civil rights groups and the City Council to act on his promise, many are left wondering whether he will follow through or quietly let the database stand. One thing is clear: the city's progressive mayor must navigate a high-stakes choice that could define his relationship with the NYPD and the broader approach to crime and surveillance in New York.
For now, Mamdani's silence on the issue has raised eyebrows, but some say it may be a sign of behind-the-scenes efforts. "In front of the world is not how we're supposed to create and draft policies and make big decisions," said Dana Rachlin, founder of We Build The Block. "I don't think it's fair to expect him to have jumped in in that moment."
Mamdani's silence on the issue is a stark contrast to his campaign promise to dismantle the database, which he deemed a "vast dragnet" that punishes innocent individuals. Critics argue that the tracker is not only ineffective but also invasive, with many people incorrectly labeled as gang members and subjected to lengthy interrogations.
Tisch defended the database, citing its role in preventing shootings and reducing gun violence. However, this argument has been disputed by community groups like We Build The Block, which claims that the police are not equipped to address the root causes of gang violence.
The NYPD maintains that the database is an invaluable tool for solving crimes, but critics point out that it relies on flawed algorithms and lacks transparency. A federal lawsuit, filed by a coalition of advocates in April 2025, alleges that the database violates multiple constitutional amendments and local laws.
As Mamdani faces pressure from civil rights groups and the City Council to act on his promise, many are left wondering whether he will follow through or quietly let the database stand. One thing is clear: the city's progressive mayor must navigate a high-stakes choice that could define his relationship with the NYPD and the broader approach to crime and surveillance in New York.
For now, Mamdani's silence on the issue has raised eyebrows, but some say it may be a sign of behind-the-scenes efforts. "In front of the world is not how we're supposed to create and draft policies and make big decisions," said Dana Rachlin, founder of We Build The Block. "I don't think it's fair to expect him to have jumped in in that moment."
. On one hand, you can understand why he wouldn't wanna jump into it without doing his research, and all that jazz 
. But at the same time, as someone who’s been following the whole thing, it feels kinda weird that he’s not taking a clear stance on this major issue affecting NYC 
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. Maybe there are some good points being made by both sides of the debate? But what really gets me is how it feels like the city is kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place 
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. I hope the mayor does figure out what to do soon, not just for his own sake, but for the sake of all the New Yorkers affected by this issue 
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. On the other hand, I don't think we should just throw the baby out with the bathwater either... some kinda middle ground is needed here 
. Maybe he can use this as an opportunity to revamp the database and make it more transparent? 
meanwhile the ppl are getting unfairly labeled and questioned like they're guilty or something. what's going on over there at city hall? is he just waiting for someone to do it for him?
it's just creating more problems than it solves. They're like, targeting young people of color and assuming they're gang members just because... no way 
. And the NYPD is like "oh but we're using it to prevent shootings" 
yeah right, but what about all the innocent people who get labeled as gang members? It's so unfair 
. I think Mayor Mamdani should speak up and stand by his campaign promise 
. We need more transparency in these programs or else they'll just keep perpetuating systemic racism 
. And what's with the algorithm thingy? Can't we just use common sense instead of fancy tech 
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. I know he campaigned on dismantling it, but now he's just sitting there with the NYPD Commish 
. But at the same time, we need to see some real action from him, you know? This database has been causing so much harm to our communities, and it's not just about young folks of color 
. We need someone who's willing to stand up for what's right, even if it means going against the NYPD 
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meanwhile people are getting wrongly accused and stuff is getting all outta hand. i wish he'd just spill the beans or whatever and tell us what's really goin on. seems like Mamdani's playin' it cool but we know how that usually turns out 
. Can't let the community pressure get to you when you've got nothing concrete to show for it, right? And Tisch's gotta defend that database because she knows it's just a bunch of hooey 
. I mean, if preventing shootings and gun violence is just about tossing labels on people who might not even be involved, then more power to her! The algorithms can't be flawed, they're just... complex 
. And on top of all this, there's a federal lawsuit alleging it violates constitutional amendments & local laws 
. I mean, come on Mayor Mamdani, what's going on? Are you actually working behind the scenes or is this just some PR stunt? 
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. I mean, it’s hard to make big decisions like this in front of everyone's eyes 
. And Dana Rachlin makes a good point, like, we shouldn’t expect him to just jump in and solve everything overnight 
. Maybe he's trying to find a way to balance the police department with the community's concerns? Fingers crossed 
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. I mean, he was all about tearing it down during his campaign, but now that he's actually in power, suddenly it's just a "vast dragnet" 
, but we need him to speak up and show us what he's doing 
. This whole thing feels like a major PR win for the NYPD, and I'm not sure I trust it 
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