New York Councilwoman Joann Ariola: ‘The Enemy Is Within the Gates’ as Mamdani’s Early Actions Trigger Anxiety

New York City Councilwoman Joann Ariola warned that New Yorkers should prepare to defend their livelihoods as Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s early signals are alarming, particularly for the city’s Jewish community.

“We have to do everything we can to fight back as Americans to maintain our American capitalist way of life,” Ariola said. “We are afraid for our Jewish communities, and I will stand side by side with them and fight for them, because I don’t believe this mayor will.”

Ariola stated that she knows other council members have “shockingly” met with Mamdani and “embraced him in their homes,” including “members from my own delegation.” She said her brief contact left her concerned.

“In a 10-minute phone conversation with then-Mayor-elect Mamdani, I knew it was nothing more than another stage performance sans the music,” Ariola added.

The councilwoman also referenced a social media post by Senator Tommy Tuberville and echoed its message: “So this is all the gentlemen from that you mentioned who said the enemy is within the gates—is correct. The enemy is within the gates.”

Joseph Imperatrice, founder of Blue Lives Matter NYC and a police sergeant, warned that the new administration’s direction could unsettle families affected by the September 11, 2001, attacks.

“There will be a lot of 9/11 families that are upset, scared, and want to see this not happen—and going in the wrong direction,” Imperatrice said. “In New York City, there’s a lot of history, and so much is going against that history.”

Imperatrice noted Mamdani’s tenure had just begun but expressed skepticism about his early personnel choices. “Unfortunately, this man hasn’t gotten into office more than one day, so we’re hopeful,” Imperatrice said. “You have to be hopeful the mayor or the president will do the right thing. But with who is in place and the nominations for positions, it’s very questionable.”

The discussion also included President Donald Trump’s public comments about working with Mamdani following a November Oval Office meeting where both men spoke.

Imperatrice praised Trump’s approach as steady: “Trump was being a leader. That’s what leaders do—they give people hope that tomorrow will be better than today.”

He urged political opponents of the mayor to focus on organizing for the next election cycle rather than criticism alone. “We have four years. We can complain every day, or we can work toward making this city the best it’s ever been,” Imperatrice added.

Ariola also stated that Mamdani has not done enough to reassure Jewish New Yorkers, specifically citing a failure to denounce “globalize the Intifada” or the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.