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New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary winner, Zohran Mamdani, is facing a barrage of anti-Muslim attacks online, prompting condemnation and calls for unity across the political spectrum.
Following Mamdani’s victory, CAIR Action reported a surge of hate-related online activity, with at least 127 violent threats mentioning the candidate. The group also said that online posts including Islamophobic content increased five-fold.
Several Republican figures, including Representatives Andy Ogles, Nancy Mace, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, have been called out for using anti-Muslim rhetoric against Mamdani.
Basim Elkarra, executive director of CAIR Action, urged public officials from all parties to denounce Islamophobia, emphasizing the importance of a unified stance against hate speech.
Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, could become New York City’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor if elected in November. He gained U.S. citizenship in 2018.
The New York City Police Department’s hate crime unit has already launched an investigation into anti-Muslim threats targeting Mamdani.
X Platform Called Out for Hosting Islamophobic Content
CAIR Action’s data reveals that a significant portion (62%) of the anti-Muslim posts targeting Mamdani originated on X. Advocates claim that individuals close to former President Donald Trump have also contributed to the spread of hateful rhetoric.
Donald Trump Jr., shared a post implying New Yorkers had “voted for” 9/11. Mace posted a picture of Mamdani in traditional Muslim attire, suggesting the city had forgotten the lessons of 9/11.
Ogles went further, accusing Mamdani of lying on his citizenship forms and calling for his deportation. He also referred to Mamdani as “little Muhammad.”
Democrats Condemn Islamophobia, Defend Mamdani
House Democrats Nydia Velazquez and Ritchie Torres have strongly condemned the attacks against Mamdani. Velazquez called out the “unhinged racism and xenophobia” from her Republican colleagues, while Torres deemed the calls for deportation “profoundly unAmerican.”
Torres, despite his disagreements with Mamdani, emphasized the need for all decent people to speak out against the Islamophobic attacks.
While the White House has not yet commented directly on the situation, it has previously denied claims of discrimination against Muslims. Former President Trump has criticized Mamdani’s “radical left” ideology.
Mamdani Fends Off Antisemitism Allegations
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has also faced accusations of antisemitism due to his pro-Palestinian advocacy and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. He has condemned antisemitism and has received support from Jewish leaders like New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
Advocates stress the importance of distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israeli policy and antisemitism, highlighting the rise of both antisemitism and Islamophobia since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict.