Zohran Mamdani and Ken Griffin shake hands near a memorial wall, amidst NYPD officers.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, known for targeting billionaires, has publicly thanked Citadel founder Ken Griffin for his support of police funding. This acknowledgment comes just days after Mamdani singled out Griffin in a viral video promoting a tax on luxury properties.
The mayor expressed his gratitude at One Police Plaza, stating, “I also want to thank Ken Griffin for funding a memorial wall that will open later this year.” This was said in the presence of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and other NYPD leadership.
The public exchange follows a recent spat where Mamdani released a video on April 15th outside Griffin’s $238 million Central Park South penthouse. In the clip, Mamdani highlighted Griffin by name as an owner of a luxury property that would be subject to a proposed annual fee on homes worth over $5 million, owned by non-full-time city residents.
Griffin responded sharply to Mamdani’s video, calling it a “personal attack” and a “profound lack of judgment.” Speaking at the Norges Bank Investment Management 2026 Investment Conference in Oslo, Griffin criticized what he described as the “demonizing” of business leaders.
This clash underscores the growing tension between progressive policies aimed at increasing taxes on the wealthy and the significant role the financial sector plays in New York City’s economy. Following the incident, Griffin, who primarily resides in Florida, hinted at reconsidering a major Midtown Manhattan development project, escalating the stakes.
Griffin’s donation aligns with his broader pattern of supporting law enforcement initiatives in major urban centers. For Mayor Mamdani, acknowledging Griffin’s contribution may signal a strategic effort to secure essential funding for public safety in the city.
About the Author
