A veteran NYPD captain has been reassigned to a new post following the emergence of a viral video in which he openly disparaged Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Captain James G. Wilson, a 51-year-old officer with nearly two decades of service, was moved from his position at the 94th Precinct in Greenpoint to a 911 call center located in the Bronx.
The controversy stems from a heated demonstration held outside a hospital in Bushwick. During the event, which involved protesters gathered to oppose immigration enforcement actions, Captain Wilson was recorded making disparaging remarks about the city's leadership.
In the footage, Wilson referred to Mayor Mamdani as an embarrassment and explicitly stated that the mayor was not his representative. He further extended his criticism to include the Democratic Party, using derogatory language to describe their political platform and supporters.
The NYPD maintains strict policies regarding the expression of political opinions by officers while they are on duty. Officials confirmed that the captain is currently facing potential disciplinary action as a result of his conduct during the protest. The department is conducting an internal review to determine if his actions violated established codes of conduct.
The protest itself was marked by significant tension, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals. Demonstrators had gathered at the medical facility following reports that immigration agents were present to transport a migrant for medical care. While supporters of the mayor accused the police of assisting federal agents, the administration has denied these allegations.
Captain Wilson, who had only recently joined the 94th Precinct in April, remains on active duty despite his transfer. An NYPD spokesperson stated that the disciplinary process is ongoing and declined to provide further details regarding the specific nature of the potential sanctions. The captain has not provided a public comment regarding the incident or his subsequent reassignment.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining political neutrality during volatile public demonstrations. As the city navigates complex debates over immigration and local governance, the behavior of officers in the field remains under intense public and administrative scrutiny.