New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani tried to add context to the city’s rising rape statistics Monday. His critics heard an excuse.
The mayor drew immediate backlash after saying an expanded legal definition and survivors reporting older crimes had contributed to the increase recorded by the NYPD.
PIX11 reporter Dan Mannarino pressed Mamdani about concerns raised by City Council Speaker Julie Menin over rape and felony assault figures.
Mamdani first pointed to sharply lower murder and shooting numbers before addressing the sexual-violence data.
“And what I think is important to know is a lot of the increase in rape also comes from an expanded definition of what counts as rape, as well as survivors coming forward for acts that took place years prior,” Mamdani said.
“And we are thankful for them coming forward, the courage and the bravery it takes, but just to provide New Yorkers with that context.”
That statistical explanation did little to quiet Mamdani’s political opponents.
Democratic Councilwoman Susan Zhuang warned that the legal change should not become political cover.
“Expanding the legal definition of rape was an important step toward recognizing more survivors under the law,” Zhuang wrote on X. “But it should never be used to deflect from the responsibility to reduce sexual violence. Survivors deserve leadership, action, accountability, and justice. They don’t deserve deflection.”
Women’s activist Riley Gaines responded more bluntly.
“HOW did women vote for this guy?” she wrote.
HOW did women vote for this guy? https://t.co/sESpdbU4ny
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) July 13, 2026
Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas tied the remarks to a broader attack on Mamdani’s leadership, writing, “Rapes are up. Rents are up,” before adding criticism involving disease and recent church fires.
Rapes are up. Rents are up.
Foreign diseases and parasites spreading.
Historic Churches burning left and right.
Elect the third world, get the third world. https://t.co/tFiaNfHQ8y
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) July 13, 2026
OutKick founder Clay Travis also took a shot at the mayor, while RedState writer Bonchie summed up the controversy with two words: “Going great.”
Sure, New York City rents hit an all time record high today, but at least the mayor is still very eloquent on social medi…whoops! https://t.co/5f7K7kFvIq
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) July 13, 2026
Going great https://t.co/GR3mAifDm4
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) July 13, 2026
