Mamdani Affirmed Plan to Disband NYPD's SRG Unit
Mayor Zohran Mamdani renewed his pledge to dissolve the specialized unit following a massive Midtown protest.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reaffirmed his commitment to disbanding the New York City Police Department's Strategic Response Group. This follows the unit's involvement in a recent protest against Benjamin Netanyahu that resulted in over 100 arrests.
Why it matters
The mayor aims to fulfill a campaign promise to prevent the unit from being deployed at protests. The unit has long faced scrutiny for its history of alleged misconduct and racial bias during large-scale demonstrations.
The Strategic Response Group was created in 2015 for counterterror work but now serves as a specialized protest unit. Investigations are ongoing regarding over 100 arrests made during the recent Midtown demonstration.
The players
Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City who campaigned on reforming police protest response.
Jessica Tisch
Jessica Tisch is the NYPD Commissioner responsible for overseeing departmental operations and staffing.
Darializa Avila Chevalier
Darializa Avila Chevalier is an activist who was among those arrested during the protest.
Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia Nixon is a political activist and former gubernatorial candidate who was arrested at the protest.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel and was the subject of the protest in Midtown.
The details
The Strategic Response Group has been a focal point of criticism, with the NYCLU releasing an analysis in 2023 detailing patterns of misconduct. Mayor Mamdani is currently in discussions with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to determine the future of the specialized force.
Timeline
The Strategic Response Group was created in 2015.
The unit utilized controversial tactics during 2020 racial justice protests.
The NYCLU published an analysis of unit complaints in 2023.
The SRG responded to a protest in Midtown on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
The current effort to dissolve the unit follows a pattern of heightened public and political scrutiny that began following the 2020 racial justice protests. This move reflects a broader legal trend toward limiting specialized tactical units in protest settings.
Residents in the area may see changes to how city agencies manage large public demonstrations in the future. The administration is focusing on de-escalation strategies for protests to ensure community safety.
The takeaway
The move to dismantle the unit marks a shift in mayoral policy toward police oversight and public protest management. City officials will need to reconcile the unit's original counterterror purpose with the current political mandate to limit its protest role.
Further reading
Learn more about the ongoing departmental shifts in New York City Law Enforcement.
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