New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani received a frosty welcome Tuesday night during Staten Island’s annual National Night Out Against Crime event, where sections of the crowd loudly booed as he took the stage.
The 43rd annual NYPD National Night Out Against Crime drew thousands of residents and families to Midland Beach. While the evening focused on community engagement and public safety, the mayor’s appearance quickly became one of the event’s most talked-about moments.
According to local reports, Mamdani arrived later in the program and was met by loud jeers, boos, and calls from some attendees for him to leave. The reaction appeared immediate as he approached the podium.
Mayor Mamdani got booed on Staten Island at the NYPD National Night Out event at Midland Beach, per this Facebook video. He smiled through it and kept remarks *very* short. pic.twitter.com/eswUhADDms
— Jeff Coltin (@JCColtin) August 5, 2026
Despite the hostile reception, Mamdani briefly addressed the crowd.
“Happy Night Out Against Crime,” he said. “It’s amazing to be here for the Staten Island community.”
His appearance lasted less than a minute before he exited the stage.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani tried to speak at an NYPD event in Staten Island. He got booed offstage. pic.twitter.com/rHHXBsIpKH
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 5, 2026
Staten Island Live reported that “Mayor Zohran Mamdani received a decidedly chilly reception from some Staten Islanders Tuesday night, drawing loud boos, jeers and profanities.” The outlet said portions of the crowd began booing as the mayor made his way toward the stage.
The New York Post similarly noted the brevity of Mamdani’s remarks, reporting that he spoke for less than a minute before leaving the event.
The incident is likely to add fuel to an ongoing controversy surrounding whether Mamdani should participate in New York City’s upcoming ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Petition seeking to bar Muslim Mayor Zohran Mamdani from the 25th anniversary ceremony commemorating 9/11.
Please sign to support honoring the memory of those lost on September 11th with dignity. – Sign the Petition! https://t.co/V9ioI3TMaB via @Change
— Rusty (@Rusty_Weiss) July 25, 2026
A group representing some families of 9/11 victims has launched a petition opposing the mayor’s participation in the ceremony. Organizers cite several concerns, including past statements and associations they believe are incompatible with representing the city at the memorial. The petition reportedly has gathered more than 77,000 verified signatures.
Mamdani has disputed criticism of his record on other occasions, but the debate over his role at the anniversary event has continued as the commemoration approaches.
