NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s campaign staffer was caught on video downplaying police opinions, saying, “Who gives a s–t” what they think of the candidate.
The comments were made by Robert Akleh, Mamdani’s citywide canvass manager, to an undercover operative for conservative podcaster Steven Crowder. He described NYPD officers as “city employees” who are “told what to do” and have no right to voice personal opinions. The footage was recorded at various locations in August and September.
In addition to his remarks about law enforcement, Akleh discussed campaign strategy and endorsements. He outlined efforts to mobilize Muslim voters to support Mamdani over pro-Israel politicians, saying, “You organize the mosques. You get the Imams to tell people to go vote. We get Zohran to go there and talk to them. That’s how we do it.” He also added, “We had young lesbian white women go and hand out fliers at a mosque.”
Akleh also claimed influence over endorsements from Governor Kathy Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. About Hochul, he said, “She gets it. She’s not stupid. She gets it.”
Campaign finance records indicate Mamdani has paid Akleh approximately $40,000 during this election cycle. The video adds to ongoing scrutiny of Mamdani’s past statements about the NYPD and his campaign strategies ahead of the mayoral election.
