NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani cites expanded rape definition for 6.6% rise, draws criticism

Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City said that part of the 6.6% year‑to‑date increase in reported rapes stems from the 2024 "Rape is Rape" law, which broadened the legal definition to include all forced sexual intercourse. He told PIX11, “A lot of the increase in rape also comes from an expanded definition of what counts as rape, as well as survivors coming forward for acts that took place years prior.”

The comments prompted backlash from city officials and advocates. Council President Julie Menin and council member Susan Zhuang warned that the definition change should not deflect from the need to reduce sexual violence. Women’s‑rights activist Riley Gaines and other critics called the mayor’s remarks dismissive. Despite the rise in rape complaints, NYPD data show historic lows in murders and shootings.

The mayor’s explanation has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over the new statute’s impact on crime statistics and public safety policy in New York City.