Mayor Zohran Mamdani spent his 24th and 25th days in office, January 24th and 25th, responding to both a major winter storm and tragic incidents requiring immediate attention. The weekend saw the mayor balancing storm preparation with addressing a fatal fire in the Bronx and condemning a deadly incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis.
Storm Response: City Braces for Heavy Snowfall
As a significant snowstorm approached the Northeast, Mamdani engaged in extensive public outreach, appearing on the Weather Channel with broadcast meteorologist Jim Cantore in Central Park. The city prepared for eight to twelve inches of snowfall, with some neighborhoods already reporting over five inches as of Sunday afternoon, according to data from the National Weather Service.
Mamdani highlighted the proactive measures taken by the New York City Department of Sanitation, noting that brining operations began at 6 a.m. on Friday. The city deployed its “largest snow fighting force in the nation,” consisting of approximately 700 salt spreaders and over 2,000 snowplows. He announced a shift to remote learning for public school students on Monday, despite previously ruling out a traditional snow day.
The city declared a Code Blue, activating outreach to homeless individuals and ensuring shelter access. Ten warming centers were opened across the five boroughs to provide refuge from the freezing temperatures. Mamdani urged residents to check on neighbors and to call 311 if they encountered individuals in need of assistance.
Bronx Fire and Minneapolis Shooting
Amid the storm preparations, Mamdani responded to a devastating fire in the Bronx on Saturday, caused by a gas tank explosion. The fire resulted in one fatality and left fifteen people with serious injuries. The mayor visited a reception center to support affected families.
He also issued a strong condemnation of an ICE killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a United States citizen, in Minneapolis. Mamdani stated, “As tens of thousands across America protest the violence that ICE sows with impunity, federal agents shot and killed another person in Minneapolis today.” Videos of the incident reportedly contradict claims made by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the events leading up to the shooting.
Mamdani, who previously called for the abolition of ICE during an appearance on “The View,” reiterated his stance following the shooting, stating, “ICE terrorizes our cities. ICE puts us all in danger. Abolish ICE.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Mayor Mamdani’s response to the snowstorm?
Mayor Mamdani oversaw preparations for a major snowstorm, including deploying the city’s snow removal resources, urging residents to prepare, and announcing a remote learning day for public school students on Monday.
How did the mayor respond to the fire in the Bronx?
Mayor Mamdani mourned the loss of life in the Bronx fire and visited a reception center to support the families affected by the tragedy.
What was the mayor’s reaction to the ICE shooting in Minneapolis?
Mayor Mamdani condemned the ICE killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti and reiterated his call for the abolition of ICE.
As New York City navigates these early challenges under new leadership, how might these initial responses shape public perception of Mayor Mamdani’s administration?
