Mamdani's staff expresses discontent with candidate Chevalier over comments on ICE shooting

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's staff has expressed frustration with New York Democratic House candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier regarding her comments about NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch following a recent shooting incident. This incident involved Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shooting an undocumented immigrant earlier in October 2026. The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which Chevalier is affiliated with, called for Mamdani to remove Tisch from her position. Mamdani stated that he was reviewing the situation but had no intention of removing Tisch, saying, "Jessica Tisch is the police commissioner. I have no plans to change that." Chevalier, who had previously received Mamdani's endorsement, criticized Tisch's remarks about the criminal history of the individual shot during the ICE operation. Sources indicated that Mamdani's staff viewed Chevalier's comments as a direct challenge to the mayor's authority. One source described Chevalier as a potential liability for the administration, stating, "She’s a loose cannon." The NYPD supported Tisch's statements, asserting that providing criminal history is standard procedure during incident updates. New York State Republican Party Director of Communications David Laska criticized the Democratic Party for allowing Mamdani to be perceived as a voice of reason amidst the controversy.