'Pressure' from Zohran Mamdani spurred drone company's ouster from NYC's Brooklyn Navy Yard: CEO
Share this @internewscast.com

The CEO of a drone-manufacturing firm, which counts the Israel Defense Forces among its clients, claims that the company is being forced out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard due to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s alleged “pro-Palestine” stance.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp., overseeing the 300-acre industrial hub, recently announced the decision not to renew the company’s lease, attributing the move to “business reasons.” The board members of this corporation are appointed by the mayor.

Shahar Abuhazira, CEO of Easy Aerial, shared with The Post on Thursday that he discovered through “private conversations” with board members that the decision was influenced by Mamdani, who assumed office on January 1. This development marks the end of the company’s seven-year tenure in NYC.

“I was informed that there was indeed pressure from the mayor’s office, and it was advised not to contest the decision,” Abuhazira stated.

Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, protests have targeted the company at the former Navy shipyard. A group known as “Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard” has been particularly vocal, urging the board to evict tenants with ties to Israel.

Abuhazira also noted that security around Easy Aerial at the Navy Yard has “suddenly” weakened since Mamdani’s tenure began, citing multiple break-in attempts that resulted in broken windows and damage to the facility.

During a Feb. 11 rally, the anti-Israel protestors gained access into the lobby of the building Easy Aerial rents for six hours. At one point, they openly taunted the company’s co-founder Ivan Stamatovski as NYPD cops escorted him to elevators, video posted by the protesters on Instagram shows.

Easy Aerial assists the Israel Defense Forces by supplying surveillance drones for reconnaissance missions and monitoring borders along the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, but most of its work is with the US Air Force and other federal agencies.

Its spies-in-the-sky have been used to monitor suspicious activity along the Mexican border, and its high-profile work also includes Super Bowl security.

Abuhazira said the 100-employee company has received offers to relocate out of the Big Apple since The Post broke the news of its ouster but is trying to remain in NYC because its staff is mostly Brooklyn-based. He also said the company — which must leave the industrial park by the end of June — is considering legal action.

”Five months ago, we doubled the size of our space, and they had no issues with that,” he said. “But since the new mayor got elected [in November], everything has changed.”

“This is something that is going to cause us a lot of damage,” he continued. “It is not easy to move a company on such short notice.”

The Mayor’s Office did not return messages, but Navy Yard spokesperson Claire Holmes insisted the decision was made before Mamdani took office.

“BNYDC declined to renew Easy Aerial’s lease in December 2025 after repeated compliance issues dating back to 2023, which include flying drones in unauthorized areas and improper usage of utility sources,” she said.

“BNYDC communicated with Easy Aerial about these issues by phone, email, and in-person over the last three years. There were no other factors in our decision.”

She also said the Navy Yard “connected” Easy Aerial with the state’s economic development arm, Empire State Development Corp., to help it locate another New York space “in a larger, less dense environment with ample FAA-approved drone flight areas and easy access to utility sources.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cuba blackout leaves millions without power

Widespread Power Outage Leaves Millions in Cuba Without Electricity

Havana and other parts of western Cuba were plunged into darkness on…
Midlothian burglary: 4th break-in at Anna's Gaming Cafe at 147th Street, Kilbourn Avenue damages business; 3 arrested, police say

Fourth Break-In Hits Anna’s Gaming Cafe on 147th Street; Trio Arrested in Midlothian Burglary Spree

MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. — A gaming cafe in the southern suburbs has been…
Tariff news: Judge rules companies are entitled to refunds for Trump tariffs overturned by Supreme Court

Supreme Court Overturns Trump Tariffs: Companies Eligible for Refunds After Judge’s Decision

NEW YORK — In a setback for the Trump administration, a federal…
California ‘party mom’ faces reckoning for hosting alcohol-fueled teen sex parties

California Mom Accused of Hosting Teen Parties with Alcohol Faces Legal Consequences

California ‘party mom’ arrives in court for trial Shannon O’Connor, a California…
Iranian bombers came within 'two minutes' of striking largest US base in Middle East before Qatari Air Force shot aircraft down: report

Qatari Air Force Intercepts Iranian Bombers Approaching Major US Base in Middle East, Report Reveals

A recent report reveals that Iranian bombers came dangerously close to attacking…
Mamdani admin confident state will grant NYC more money in budget

Mamdani Administration Optimistic About Securing Increased State Funding for NYC in Upcoming Budget

First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan expressed optimism on Thursday about the potential…
Man who opened fire near Santa Clarita school emerges pantless after standoff

Pantless Suspect Surrenders Following Santa Clarita School Shooting Standoff

A gun-wielding individual unleashed chaos near a Southern California elementary school, eventually…
WATCH: Plane crashes into two Arizona homes, hurts 3

Video: Plane Collides with Arizona Homes, Injuring Three

In a residential area of Phoenix, a small aircraft accident resulted in…
Congress Loves Transparency - Just Not the Bill to Release Its Sexual Misconduct Files

Congress Advocates Transparency, Yet Hesitates on Bill to Disclose Sexual Misconduct Records

Recently, Congress had a pivotal opportunity to shed light on its internal…
Iran ramps up attack on Kurdish forces to try to stop ground offensive

Iran Intensifies Offensive Against Kurdish Forces to Avert Ground Incursion

On Thursday, Tehran intensified its offensive against Kurdish forces in Iraq, following…
Arkansas man accused of killing daughter's alleged abuser wins GOP nomination in sheriff's race

Arkansas Man, Accused of Killing Daughter’s Alleged Abuser, Secures GOP Nomination in Sheriff’s Race

An Arkansas father, charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting a man…
Held at gunpoint at 9, Iranian refugee turned pastor now prays for Iran’s hour of freedom

Iranian Refugee, Once Threatened at Gunpoint, Now Leads Prayers for Freedom in Iran

An Iranian refugee, who vividly recalls being held at gunpoint during his…