Brad Lander's Shifting Stance on NYPD Funding Draws Scrutiny Amid Mayoral Bid

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, a prominent progressive and current mayoral candidate, is facing renewed examination of his past calls to "defund the police" and his associations, as highlighted by a recent tweet from New York Post reporter Jason Curtis Anderson. The tweet critically links Lander to an unnamed individual accused of defending the Muslim Brotherhood and promising to dismantle the NYPD.

Lander, who previously advocated for a $1 billion cut to the New York Police Department's budget in 2020, has recently unveiled a public safety blueprint that signals a more centrist approach. His new plan emphasizes recruiting and retaining more officers, and notably, expresses a willingness to keep the current NYPD Commissioner, Jessica Tisch. Lander acknowledged that progressives, including himself, were slow to adapt to the rise in crime and disorder experienced during the pandemic.

The accusation in Anderson's tweet regarding the Muslim Brotherhood appears to be an indirect one. While there is no credible public record of Brad Lander defending the Muslim Brotherhood, the claim likely stems from his past defense of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Lander, who is Jewish, publicly supported Omar against accusations of antisemitism related to her criticisms of Israel, stating his concern about the "weaponization of anti-Semitism" to stifle legitimate debate. Omar herself has faced unsubstantiated claims of ties to "radical Islamic groups." It is important to note that the U.S. government has not designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, though several other countries have.

Lander's political career has been marked by advocacy for police reform and social justice initiatives. He was a co-sponsor of the "Community Safety Act" in the City Council, aimed at increasing NYPD oversight and banning discriminatory policing, and supported moving traffic crash investigations away from the police department. His recent arrest in June 2025 for protesting federal immigration actions further underscores his commitment to progressive causes, which he frames as standing against "creeping authoritarianism."

The tweet's author, Jason Curtis Anderson, is a reporter for the New York Post known for his conservative perspective, which provides context for the critical framing of Lander's past and present positions. As the mayoral race progresses, Lander's evolving stance on public safety and his associations continue to be a focal point of political discussion.