NYPD Resignation Rumor After Mamdani's Win Debunked

The Claim and Its Origins

In November 2025, a rumor circulated that 5,000 New York Police Department (NYPD) officers had resigned, effective January 2026, due to their opposition to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's policies. This claim was widely shared on social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, and gained traction as a sensational story. However, the claim has been debunked as false.

The original post, which was later removed, claimed that the resignation of 5,000 officers was due to their refusal to be "ruled under a communist." This statement was made by an anonymous user who did not provide any evidence to support the claim. Despite the widespread sharing of the video, no credible sources or official statements from the NYPD confirmed the event.

The Context Behind the Rumor

Following the November 2025 mayoral election, rumors about mass resignations within the NYPD began to circulate. These rumors were fueled by comments from some police union leaders, who expressed concerns about Mamdani's approach to policing. Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, had previously criticized the NYPD and proposed the creation of a new Department of Community Safety to handle responsibilities such as mental health crises and hate crime prevention.

Mamdani clarified that he was not defunding the police, but rather seeking to reform how the department operates. His campaign focused on improving community relations and reducing the burden on police officers. However, some police unions interpreted his policies as a threat to law enforcement, leading to speculation about potential resignations.

The Role of Tabloids and Social Media

Tabloid outlets, including the New York Post, published stories suggesting that a large number of NYPD officers were planning to retire or resign in response to Mamdani’s election. These reports often cited anonymous sources and union officials, but they lacked concrete evidence to support the claims.

For example, Detective Endowment Association President Scott Munro stated that there could be a "mass retirement" if Mamdani won the election. Another union leader, Patrick Hendry of the Police Benevolent Association, also voiced concerns about the impact of Mamdani’s policies on police morale. However, these statements were not directly linked to actual resignations.

What Is Actually Happening With NYPD Staffing?

While there have been reports of declining numbers within the NYPD, these trends predate Mamdani’s election. According to data from the Police Benevolent Association, the department experienced a net loss of 106 officers in October 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Over the course of the year, 3,668 officers left the department, while 3,562 joined.

Union leaders have attributed these losses to factors such as unsustainable workloads, lack of competitive compensation, and public criticism of the police. While Mamdani’s policies have raised concerns among some officers, they are not the sole cause of the staffing challenges facing the NYPD.

The Case of Deputy Chief John D'Adamo

One specific instance that was highlighted in some reports was the resignation of Deputy Chief John D'Adamo, who led the unit responsible for responding to protests and demonstrations. Some sources suggested that his resignation occurred shortly after Mamdani’s election, but others argued that the timing was coincidental. No independent verification of the details has been provided, leaving the situation unclear.

Conclusion

There is no evidence to support the claim that 5,000 NYPD officers resigned in a coordinated effort due to Mamdani’s election. While some police union leaders have expressed concerns about his policies, the decline in NYPD staffing is influenced by a range of factors, including workload and compensation issues. The rumor likely gained traction due to existing tensions between the police and the new administration, but it lacks the factual basis required to be considered true.