New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a $127 billion budget that signals a massive shift in how the city spends its money, drawing sharp criticism from law enforcement circles. During an appearance on Fox & Friends Thursday, former NYPD Chief of Department John Chell joined host Brian Kilmeade to sound the alarm over the administration’s plan to cancel the hiring of thousands of police officers while simultaneously raising taxes.
The budget moves away from previous goals to bolster the NYPD’s headcount. While experts suggest the city needs about 40,000 officers to remain effective, current levels sit closer to 34,000.
By scrapping plans for 5,000 new recruits, Chell warned that the city is facing a “recipe for disaster,” noting that “public safety is the key to New York City.” He expressed concern that the department is already stretched thin and could lose thousands more to retirement this year alone…