Crime is Mamdanis kryptonite so watch out for his sneaky claims

Zohran Mamdani has a slew of political assets, including a winning smile, a slick way with social media and a positive approval rating.But he seems to understand that public safety is his kryptonite.His campaign-trail disavowal of his past anti-cop agitation and his decision to retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch are obvious examples of this reality.No wonder he’s working so hard to sell the idea that New York City is safer than ever.But is it really?Last week, Mamdani pushed back hard against PIX 11 News reporter Dan Mannarino’s question regarding city crime statistics.City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Mannarino pointed out, “said that rape and felony assaults are concerning to her ..

.the NYPD is touting low numbers, but she’s looking at different numbers.

Somewhere in there is the truth.”Mamdani waved away Menin’s worry.“Well, I believe the NYPD,” he said.“What we’re seeing are some of the lowest numbers that New York City has seen in recorded history, especially when it comes to murders and shootings.”Especially when it comes to murders and shootings, Mr.

Mayor?No: Murders and shootings are the only major crime categories near their historic lows.It was a slick answer, but deliberately misleading.Shootings and homicides are indeed on track to beat their modern historical lows — an incredible feat, considering the multi-year spike in both measures through 2021.Thanks no doubt to the NYPD’s hard work, the most socially costly components of the city’s public safety challenges are under control.But it’s simply wrong to suggest that crime in general is anywhere near all-time lows.Through July 12, the city has reported just a hair under 59,000 “major crimes” — including murder, rape, robbery, burglary, felony assault, grand larceny and auto theft.That number is 24% higher than the 47,438 major crimes reported through the same date in 2019 — a year in which New Yorkers were spending more time on the streets and in the subways...