Mayor doubles down on separating counterterrorism from protest response
Decoupling Counterterrorism from Protest Response Remains Priority
Mayor Zohran Mamdani reiterated his campaign commitment to disband the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, the unit that responds to citywide protests and civil unrest. Speaking at a Wednesday press conference on January 28, Mamdani stated clearly: “I continue to believe we need to disband the SRG, and I’m currently in conversations with the police commissioner in ways we can do so that are operational.” The mayor emphasized his rationale centered on separating functions. According to NYPD documentation, the SRG “responds to citywide mobilizations, civil disorders, and major events with highly trained personnel and specialized equipment. They are also deployed to areas requiring an increased police presence due to increased crime or other conditions.”
Separating Public Order from Counterterrorism Functions
Mamdani’s specific reasoning moved beyond fiscal concerns. He explained: “I believe that we should do so not on the basis of any fiscal need, but frankly on the need to decouple the counterterrorism responsibilities within the department from police response to First Amendment exercise.” This philosophical distinction acknowledges that responding to protestsprotected First Amendment activityshould not operate under counterterrorism protocols developed for security threats. The distinction reflects tension between protecting peaceful protest rights and managing public safety. The SRG has faced accusations of excessive force and militaristic tactics, particularly during the 2020 George Floyd protests when officers unlawfully detained over 100 demonstrators. A legal settlement announced in 2023 provided reparations for these detentions.
History of SRG Controversy Over Crowd Control Tactics
The City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing on the Strategic Response Group in 2023, but the unit didn’t attend. They claimed ongoing litigation prevented participation, though they submitted written testimony asserting: “SRG is comprised of highly trained, well-vetted and professional police officers…called upon in some of the most stressful, dangerous and chaotic situations, such as the protests and riots that occurred during the summer of 2020.” Critics argue the unit’s militarized approach to crowd control violates civil liberties and creates unnecessary confrontation during lawful assemblies. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, retained by Mamdani despite their policy disagreements, has expressed commitment to working with the mayor despite these differences.
Recent Deployment Demonstrates Continuing SRG Role
The NYPD referenced the SRG’s participation in response to Tuesday’s immigration protest at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tribeca when responding to Mamdani’s disbanding comments. The department noted that the protest concluded without violence and that officers issued 64 summonses for trespassing and disorderly conduct, plus two desk appearance tickets for resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Mamdani’s office stated the mayor was “pleased with the NYPD’s response” to that specific protest while maintaining his broader position. The mayor’s commitment to disband the SRG, while working on operational details with Commissioner Tisch, signals his intention to honor a central campaign promise. The unit’s role remains controversial among both civil rights advocates and law enforcement, making implementation a complex undertaking requiring coordination between City Hall and police leadership.
