Mayor Mamdani booed, jeered at Staten Island’s National Night Out

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Mayor Zohran Mamdani received a decidedly chilly reception from some Staten Islanders Tuesday night, drawing loud boos, jeers and profanities when he appeared at the borough’s annual National Night Out Against Crime celebration in Midland Beach.

Mamdani arrived late in the evening as more than 3,500 residents and families gathered at Turtle Circle on the Midland Beach Boardwalk for the 43rd annual NYPD Patrol Borough Staten Island National Night Out Against Crime.

As the mayor made his way to the stage, sections of the crowd erupted in boos, with some attendees shouting for him to leave. Despite the hostile response, Mamdani delivered a brief greeting.

“Happy Night Out Against Crime. It’s amazing to be here for the Staten Island community,” Mamdani said.

The mayor remained only briefly, departing the stage shortly afterward, though he stopped to pose for photos with several attendees before leaving the event.

The reaction to Mamdani contrasted with the otherwise festive atmosphere that marked the annual community event, which is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and residents while promoting public safety and crime prevention.

Among those attending the event was Scott LoBaido, the Staten Island artist and activist known for his patriotic artwork, veteran advocacy and high-profile political demonstrations. LoBaido, a frequent presence at civic and political events across the borough, later suffered a medical emergency that prompted a rapid response from first responders and led to his hospitalization.

Officials address the crowd

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch thanked the NYPD’s roughly 35,000 members for their service and highlighted the partnership between law enforcement and communities.

“Public safety is something that we all build together, and nights like this remind us of the relationship of police officers, neighbors, community members and elected officials,” Tisch said.

Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon also praised the work of officers and emphasized the importance of community involvement.

“We are so blessed to have the great men and women of the Police Department here leading us, our great team of community affairs, our precinct commanders,” McMahon said. “We thank them all, and it wouldn’t be possible without the community support. Remember, the police are the police and the police are the people.”

Annual festivities

Uniformed officers from Staten Island’s four precincts joined representatives from more than 170 city and state agencies, local organizations and businesses for the free community celebration.

The evening began with performances by local dance groups, including Telly’s Dance Studio, Move Me Dance & Fitness Studio, New York Dance Company and Melissa’s Dance Workshop. DJ Andre Jones provided music throughout the event.

Along the boardwalk, children enjoyed bounce houses, climbed a rock wall and lined up for snow cones and hot dogs. Others stopped for face painting or gathered for a puppet show presented by the City Parks Foundation PuppetMobile.

Arts-and-crafts stations gave children a chance to paint, make bracelets and participate in other hands-on activities, while young attendees also had the opportunity to meet and pet horses brought to the event.

Community organizations lined the boardwalk with informational tables, resources and giveaways. Among those represented were Play Passion Project, AdvantageCare Physicians, Safe Horizon, NYC Her Future, Seamen’s Society for Children and Families and the Staten Island FerryHawks.

The festivities continued throughout the evening with additional performances, giveaways and appearances by elected officials and public safety agencies. Among those attending were NYC Parks Staten Island Borough Commissioner Joseph Homsey, Councilmembers Frank Morano and David Carr, and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis.

Families also had the opportunity to explore emergency vehicles and equipment, including an FDNY fire engine and ambulance. Others posed for photos while trying on protective gear supplied by the FBI and U.S. Secret Service.

For Staten Island resident Olivia Sully, who was attending National Night Out for the first time, the event was a success.

“I loved it. It was so fun,” Sully said.

Sully said events like National Night Out are especially valuable because they allow residents, particularly young people, to connect with members of law enforcement in a positive setting.

“There’s a lot of young people here too, and I feel like they get to talk and see if that’s something they want to do in the future, so I think it’s really good,” she said.