AOC and Mamdani wanted to defund the police. Their backtracking puts organizers at risk
Summary
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Councilman Zohran Mamdani have recently said they no longer support defunding the police, a position they held during the COVID-19 pandemic. They explained their views have changed as the discussion about crime and public safety evolved.Key Facts
- August 9 marked the 12th anniversary of Michael Brown Jr’s death by police in Ferguson, Missouri.
- During the pandemic, many progressive politicians, including Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani, supported defunding the police.
- Ocasio-Cortez said some pandemic-era statements were made during a unique time and do not reflect their current views.
- Mamdani said he no longer supports defunding the police and emphasized working with the police alongside other partners.
- New York City Councilman Chi Ossé, inspired by the abolition movement, coined the term “woke 1” to describe early radical positions.
- The term “defund the police” originally meant more than just cutting budgets; it involved broader social and political changes.
- Mariame Kaba, an abolitionist, highlighted that abolition is about actions and long-term organizing, not just feelings or labels.
- These recent changes in stance have caused concern among some activists who see them as risky for ongoing organizing efforts.
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