Mamdani Sits Down for Interview With Streamer Who Said America “Deserved 9/11” - Discusses Dumbest Idea Yet

While floating some terrible ideas for criminal justice reform during an interview with socialist streamer Hasan Piker, NYC Democrat Mayoral Nominee Zohran Mamdani argued that it’s not fiscally responsible to put people in jail on the basis that it’s too expensive.

“Fiscally, it costs $500,000 a year to incarcerate someone in Rikers. To put someone in a year of supportive housing, it costs $50,000 a year.” If Mamdani wants something to blame for the high cost of incarceration, he should be blaming generous unions, as about 86% of operating costs go to staff wages, pensions, and benefits (of note - the average cost per inmate in a New York person is $167k).

That led to Piker pitching him a brand new idea: why not just pay criminals $500,000 to not commit crimes? “I feel like I wouldn’t do any crimes if I was was in a penthouse” Hassan said. 

“It’s a lot of money,” Mamdani concurred. 

“Give me the $500,000 and I’m not committing crimes. Why don’t we do that? Give criminals $500,000 -  is that a good policy?”

“I’ll wait for you to run for Mayor” Mamdani replied, chuckling.

That Mamdani appeared with Piker is damning enough. For those unfamiliar with Piker, he’s an open supporter of both Hezbollah and the Houthis. 

Piker has also faced backlash for claiming that America “deserved” the 9/11 attacks.