In an interview featured on Thursday’s episode of CNN’s “AC360,” New York City mayoral hopeful Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D) clarified a controversial statement he made in 2023. Mamdani explained that his comment, “when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it’s been laced by the IDF,” was meant to highlight past training collaborations between the New York Police Department and the Israeli Defense Forces. However, he expressed that he no longer believes the two entities maintain such close cooperation.

Host Anderson Cooper revisited Mamdani’s earlier remarks, showing footage of the candidate stating, “To make these issues resonate, we must localize them. It’s vital to convey that when the NYPD exerts force, it’s influenced by the IDF. This isn’t about literal examples but rather connecting these global matters to the daily realities of working-class individuals, who face countless pressures and little time for abstract concepts.”

Cooper pressed further, asking Mamdani, “What exactly did you mean by that? It was only two years ago. Are you suggesting the NYPD’s actions are still influenced by the IDF?”

Mamdani responded, “I was referencing the training sessions that have occurred between the NYPD and the IDF. I’ve discussed this before—”

At this point, Cooper interjected, inquiring, “So, do you still think the NYPD is closely collaborating with the IDF?”

Mamdani responded, “No, what I’ve made very clear is those are training exercises that were a concern to me. And what my focus is, is on working with the NYPD to actually deliver public safety for New Yorkers across the five boroughs. And I’ve made the decision to retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch because of her record in being able to deliver that safety, reducing crime across the five boroughs.”