Zohran Mamdani Claps Back: Defending Against Racist Attacks with Poise and Power

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NEW YORK (WPIX) – Democratic mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani voiced strong criticism on Thursday in response to contentious comments made by his rival regarding the events of September 11, labeling them as “racist attacks.”

During an interview with PIX on Politics host Dan Mannarino, Mamdani expressed his dismay over remarks former Governor Andrew Cuomo made earlier on the “Sid & Friends” show.

“It’s absolutely appalling,” Mamdani asserted. “Andrew Cuomo is choosing to spend his remaining public moments launching racist attacks against a candidate who could become the first Muslim mayor of New York City.”

Cuomo, speaking on Sid Rosenberg’s podcast, suggested that New York City might have suffered more had Mamdani been mayor during the 9/11 attacks, citing Mamdani’s lack of experience as a concern.

“God forbid another 9/11. Can you imagine Mamdani in the seat?” Cuomo asked in the radio interview.

“No, I couldn’t. He’d be cheering,” Rosenberg said. Cuomo responded, “Well, that’s another problem.”

Cuomo then reiterated: “If Mamdani was in the seat on 9/11, what would have happened in this city?”

The comments are about much more than just his own identity, but a slight to all Muslim New Yorkers, Mamdani told affiliate WPIX.

“There are more than 1 million Muslims who live in New York City, and to have our faith be smeared and slandered by someone who at one point was considered a leader in the Democratic Party, showcases the fact that bigotry and racism is not exclusively a Republican problem,” Mamdani said.

Mamdani also addressed his recent announcement that he would keep NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in her role, something that’s been called into question given the two differ on topics like the Strategic Response Group and hiring.

He said the commissioner took on a “broken status quo” and delivered. Mamdani hasn’t formally asked Tisch to stay on, but is “confident” she will stay, he said.

Mamdani also agreed with other elected officials, including Congressman Dan Goldman, that the NYPD should arrest Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who act unlawfully in New York City. It comes two days after an ICE operation caused chaos in Chinatown.

The Democratic nominee declined to take a stance on three ballot measures related to housing. The New York City Council has come out against the three ballot measures, which it claims are misleading and “strip communities of power.” Other organizations like the Citizens’ Budget Commission have recommended voters say yes to all three.

Watch the video player for the full interview.