Avila Chevalier says dispute is with Tisch, not Mamdani

Darializa Avila Chevalier renewed her call for NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to step down after the ICE shooting of Dominican immigrant Oscar Belgal in Marble Hill, but denied a rift with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gothamist reported on October 15.

The Democratic congressional nominee said an NYPD officer shoved her to the ground when she tried to calm the situation after the shooting. She accused Tisch of vilifying the victim rather than adequately addressing ICE’s actions and police conduct. An NYPD spokesperson noted that Tisch had condemned ICE’s conduct, according to the report.

Mamdani had said he was standing by Tisch because of her record of tackling corruption in the department and reducing crime. Avila Chevalier said she and the mayor saw eye to eye on most of the issue and retained a strong relationship.

Avila Chevalier won her nomination with Mamdani’s endorsement and is seeking a House seat covering parts of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, including Marble Hill, Gothamist reported.