Rudy Giuliani claims Zohran Mamdani’s plan to halt homeless sweeps risks NYC public safety

WASHINGTON, DC: Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is sounding the alarm over mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s pledge to end city sweeps of homeless encampments, warning that the policy could undermine public safety and reverse gains made in recent years.

Giuliani said Mamdani’s proposal reflects a misunderstanding of homelessness and mental health issues, predicting that it could leave the city vulnerable if enacted.

Rudy Giuliani calls Zohran Mamdani’s encampment plan 'dangerous'

In comments to the New York Post this week, Giuliani argued that allowing encampments to remain in place would worsen conditions for both homeless individuals and the broader public.

He said that prolonged isolation can intensify untreated mental health struggles, increasing the risk of dangerous outcomes over time.

“So he is going to produce … possibly the most dangerous thing a New York mayor has ever done,” Giuliani said, comparing the potential fallout to the crime-ridden era of the early 1990s.

Giuliani drew parallels to former Mayor David Dinkins’ administration, which preceded his own tenure and coincided with historically high crime rates.

National debate over encampment enforcement

Giuliani’s warning comes amid a broader national debate over how cities handle homeless encampments.

An August AP-NORC/Harris poll found that 43% of Americans support clearing homeless camps, while 25% oppose such measures.

In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that cities may enforce bans on sleeping outdoors in public spaces. Several Democratic-led states and cities, including California and Boston, have since taken steps to dismantle encampments.

Rudy Giuliani praises Eric Adams and cautions Zohran Mamdani

Giuliani credited outgoing Mayor Eric Adams with improving public safety, saying Adams inherited significant challenges but managed to stabilize conditions.

“He’s got the city at least halfway back,” Giuliani said, comparing Adams favorably to previous administrations.

While Giuliani praised Mamdani’s decision to retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, he questioned whether the relationship would last amid pressure from progressive factions.

“Even if he wants to be reasonable, they are going to bang him,” Giuliani said.

Mamdani’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

Giuliani said that he remains concerned about the city’s direction, adding that while New York is not currently at crisis levels, future policy choices could change that quickly.