By: Mario Mancini

Interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon and Tarik Sheppard, the department’s acting chief of staff and deputy commissioner for public information, clashed in a heated argument on the sidelines of the New York City Marathon, a conflict that was loud enough to be heard hundreds of feet away, law enforcement sources told the NY Daily News.

Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey reportedly had to step in to diffuse the escalating dispute, which centered on a “management-related” issue, as originally reported by the Daily News.

The source of the disagreement, according to insiders, stemmed from Sheppard’s attempt to bring up a work issue with Donlon as they posed for pictures with NYPD marathon runners. Donlon rejected the request, saying it wasn’t the right time or place to discuss management issues, which then led to the verbal altercation.

The NY Daily News notes that the exact nature of the management matter remains unclear, as the source chose not to delve into specifics but downplayed it as a routine job-related disagreement.

Officers stationed along the marathon route overheard the commotion, and some within the NYPD found it embarrassing for the department’s senior officials to engage in a public shouting match. Ken Frydman, a veteran public relations consultant with experience representing police unions, commented to the NY Daily News that while tensions are common, airing them so publicly could damage public trust in the NYPD’s leadership. “Tension at the top of the NYPD is nothing new,” Frydman said. “What is new is cops hanging their dirty linen out to dry.”

Photos posted on social media by Donlon and First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella show the two men posing beside each other, apparently unbothered, despite the tense exchange earlier. In one photo, Sheppard even flashes a thumbs-up, as noted by the NY Daily News.

Mayor Eric Adams, addressing the incident at a press conference on Monday, likened the dispute to family dynamics, stressing that arguments are common but that resolution is key. “Anyone that’s in any type of relationship…we have arguments, we have disputes. How do you manage those arguments after?” Adams said. When asked about possible disciplinary measures, he deferred to Donlon, stating that the commissioner would assess whether action was needed.

This public altercation comes as the NYPD navigates a period of considerable internal tension and instability. Donlon, a former FBI agent, was appointed by Adams as interim commissioner following the abrupt resignation of former Commissioner Edward Caban in September. Caban stepped down amid a federal investigation involving his twin brother, a former NYPD officer, who allegedly offered to secure police favors for nightlife venues in New York City. Shortly after Donlon’s appointment, FBI agents raided his home as part of a separate probe involving documents reportedly from two decades ago. As the NY Daily News highlights, this added scrutiny has heightened tension between Donlon and certain NYPD officials, creating a challenging environment at the top of the department.

In this tense atmosphere, Sheppard’s recent promotion to acting chief of staff further stirred dynamics within the department, though the change was not officially announced. Reports from mid-October, cited by the NY Daily News, hinted at Donlon’s potential resignation. However, he has remained in the role, with Adams indicating that Donlon is still a candidate for the permanent commissioner position. “He’s in the running,” Adams confirmed on Monday when asked about Donlon’s status.

The marathon incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the department’s leadership.