Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he’d ramp up police patrols on the border with New York City if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor — as he worried a victory by the democratic socialist could hurt regional police collaboration.
Blakeman told reporters Wednesday that he and police Commissioner Patrick Ryder have been planning for the possibility of a Mamdani win for months.
“We’re hoping [Mamdani] doesn’t get elected, but we will be prepared if he does,” said Blakeman, who is up for re-election this year.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he’ll add more police across the border between Nassau County and Queens if Zohran Mamdani becomes the next mayor of New York City. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post
“We’ll hire more police officers, make sure that our patrols on the border are more intensive, and we will do everything in our power to keep the residents of Nassau County safe and continue to make this the safest county in America,” the Republican said, adding that he would also aim to boost cooperation with US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
The county executive didn’t disclose specifics of the plan but said he was worried the relationship between the Nassau police and the NYPD will slowly diminish under Mamdani, the Democratic Party nominee and front-runner in the city.
“We have an amazing relationship with the NYPD — but I’m very concerned that the leadership of that police department could potentially in the future reflect the values of [Mamdani,]” Blakeman said.
Blakeman told reporters they’re well prepared in the event that Mamdani is elected, while also focusing on his re-election campaign as county executive. Brigitte Stelzer
“We have information that’s very sensitive. I’m not sure that we want to share it with them, or if they’ll share it with us,” Blakeman added.
Blakeman is facing Democratic challenger and Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow in Tuesday’s election. Koslow has vowed to end a partnership struck between Blakeman and ICE if he unseats the Republican front-runner.
Mamdani is facing an independent bid from ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment on Blakeman’s plans.