Here’s what Mamdani couldn’t give a clear answer to.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani avoided giving a direct answer Sunday when asked a simple question during a nationally televised interview: Does he believe prisons should exist?
The exchange came during an appearance on ABC’s This Week while Mamdani discussed the recent Democratic primary victory of Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist who has previously advocated for abolishing prisons.
When asked whether he agreed with her position, Mamdani declined to give a clear response.
“There are prisons,” he replied before shifting the conversation toward public safety.
“We’re also showing in this city that safety is not something that’s up for debate; it is something that we’re actually delivering on,” Mamdani said.
The answer immediately renewed attention on the mayor’s own past comments about the criminal justice system.
Mamdani Previously Questioned The Purpose Of Prisons
Long before becoming mayor, Mamdani openly questioned whether prisons serve a useful purpose.
During his 2020 campaign for the New York State Assembly, he asked, “What purpose do they serve?”
He argued that many people defend the prison system without examining whether it actually rehabilitates offenders or reduces crime. Mamdani also questioned whether incarceration prevents more harm than it creates.
Those comments have resurfaced as critics revisit his record following his rise to New York City’s highest office.
Past Calls To Defund Police Continue To Draw Attention
Mamdani has also faced renewed scrutiny over previous social media posts criticizing the New York Police Department.
Years ago, Mamdani sharply criticized the NYPD, calling the department “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety,” while also voicing support for the “Defund the NYPD” movement.
During last year’s mayoral campaign, however, Mamdani said his views had evolved.
“I am not running to defund the police,” he said, adding that he has “grown” since making those earlier statements.
Even so, questions about his criminal justice philosophy have continued to follow him.
Administration Continues Push To Close Rikers Island
As mayor, Mamdani has continued supporting the long-planned closure of the Rikers Island jail complex.
His administration wants to replace the facility with a smaller borough-based jail system.
A spokesperson previously said the goal is to create a correctional system that is safer, more humane, and better serves inmates, correction officers, and New York City residents while improving overall public safety.
Controversial Candidate Receives Mamdani’s Support
The interview also focused on Mamdani’s support for Democratic congressional nominee Darializa Avila Chevalier.
Avila Chevalier defeated longtime Congressman Adriano Espaillat in last week’s Democratic primary.
According to multiple reports, she previously posted messages on social media calling for abolishing prisons and eliminating the U.S. border before later removing those posts. Other past posts included sharp criticism of former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, along with other controversial political remarks that have drawn widespread attention.
Despite those past statements, Mamdani defended her campaign.
“The focus of her candidacy was about the struggle that working people are facing,” he said.
Mamdani said people can hold different views on specific policies, but argued that the more important question is whether they share the same overall goals and are committed to helping the same people.
Questions Remain After National Interview
Although Mamdani emphasized his administration’s commitment to public safety, he never directly answered whether he supports the continued existence of prisons.
The exchange is likely to fuel continued debate over the mayor’s criminal justice views as critics point to his earlier comments while supporters argue his focus remains on reform rather than elimination.
The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for additional clarification regarding his current position on prisons.
