'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
Gavin Newsom omits key college baseball facts in new book

Gavin Newsom’s Latest Book Raises Eyebrows with Missing College Baseball Details

Back in 2004, during the San Francisco Giants’ home opener, the team…
Manhunt underway after Missouri deputy slain, suspect’s truck spotted heading toward Arkansas border

Massive Search Launched for Suspect in Missouri Deputy’s Fatal Shooting, Truck Seen Near Arkansas Border

An intense manhunt is underway in Missouri following the tragic shooting of…
SoCal rain fuels above-average desert bloom, but experts stop short of 'superbloom'

Southern California Rainfall Prompts Above-Average Desert Bloom, Though Experts Caution Against ‘Superbloom’ Label

Southern California’s deserts are set to dazzle with a vibrant wildflower display…
Bakersfield police release audio debunking viral TikTok

Unveiling the Truth: Bakersfield Police Debunk Viral TikTok Hoax with Revealing Audio

The Bakersfield Police Department is pushing back after a viral video purportedly…
Social media erupts after Stephen King makes false claim about Trump's family: 'What is this sh--?'

Social Media Abuzz Following Stephen King’s Inaccurate Statement on Trump’s Family: ‘What is This?

Stephen King, the renowned horror author, found himself in the midst of…
US women's gold medal-winning team declines invitation from Trump to attend State of Union address

US Women’s Gold Medalists Politely Decline Trump’s Invitation to State of the Union Address

The United States women’s hockey team, who recently clinched the gold medal,…
Senate Dems move to force Trump to pay back $175B in tariff revenue

Senate Democrats Push for Trump to Return $175 Billion in Tariff Funds: A Bold Move to Reclaim Revenue

WASHINGTON — On Monday, Senate Democrats introduced a legislative proposal aimed at…
Security guard, Arizona moving company employees help recover 2-year-old allegedly taken by unrelated woman

Security Guard and Arizona Movers Aid in Recovery of Missing 2-Year-Old Allegedly Abducted by Unrelated Woman

In a commendable display of community vigilance, a security guard at a…
'Somebody's worst nightmare': Man charged for Springfield house fire that killed one

Tragic Springfield House Fire Claims Life: Man Faces Charges

A 49-year-old named Julius Lindo faces charges of murder and arson following…
Dem lawmaker claims Kash Patel 'does not love America' when asked about FBI head cheering Team USA at Olympics

Democrat Criticizes Kash Patel’s Patriotism Amid FBI Director’s Support for Team USA at Olympics

In a sharp critique, Rep. Seth Moulton from Massachusetts expressed his disapproval…
Aisha Dee reveals all about her Hulu series 'Watching You'

Aisha Dee Unveils Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Hulu’s Hit Series ‘Watching You

“Watching You” unfolds the tale of Lina, portrayed by Aisha Dee, an…
Missing mom found alive after vanishing 24 years ago

Miraculous Reunion: Missing Mom Reappears 24 Years After Mysterious Disappearance

A woman from North Carolina who vanished over 20 years ago has…