Video: Zohran Mamdani booed at New York City police event, shouted off stage

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was met with loud boos during a Night Out Against Crime event in Staten Island on Tuesday, cutting short his appearance to less than a minute as sections of the crowd shouted for him to leave the stage.

According to local media reports, Mamdani addressed thousands of people gathered at Midland Beach for the NYPD's 43rd Night Out Against Crime, an annual initiative aimed at strengthening ties between police and local communities.

Videos shared on social media showed attendees jeering the mayor as he approached the podium, with some shouting at him to leave and others giving him thumbs-down gestures. Despite the hostile reception, Mamdani smiled throughout his brief remarks.

"Happy Night Out Against Crime. It's amazing to be here for the Staten Island community," the mayor said. He also thanked local officials and Staten Island artist Scott LoBaido before concluding with, "God bless everyone. Thank you."

ARTIST SUFFERS CARDIAC ARREST AFTER MAMDANI LEFT

His address lasted less than a minute before he exited the stage. Local reports said Mamdani later stopped to pose for photographs with some attendees despite the vocal opposition.

Shortly after the mayor's appearance, artist and activist Scott LoBaido reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at the venue. Witnesses told local media that LoBaido had been among a group hoping to question Mamdani over his reported decision to halt a phased plan to add 5,000 NYPD officers.

According to witnesses, LoBaido attempted to approach the mayor as he was leaving the stage but was stopped by police officers. Moments later, he reportedly complained of feeling unwell, knelt to the ground and collapsed.

Emergency responders administered CPR and oxygen before taking him to a nearby hospital. Later that night, LoBaido posted an update on Facebook indicating that he was recovering.

WHAT IS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME?

The Night Out Against Crime was organised at more than 70 locations across New York City, bringing together police officers, elected representatives and residents through community events, performances and family activities. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who attended the Staten Island programme, thanked officers for their service and stressed the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and local communities in ensuring public safety.

Mamdani's reception reflected Staten Island's distinct political landscape. Although he won the 2025 New York City mayoral election, Staten Island, widely regarded as the city's most Republican-leaning borough, overwhelmingly voted against him, making Tuesday's hostile reception one of the sharpest public rebukes he has faced since taking office.

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