He won’t forget the “forgotten borough.”
On Wednesday, mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani faced a boisterous crowd of angry opponents during his week-long tour of Staten Island, part of his campaign that aims to connect with all five boroughs.
Local artist Scott Lobaido was reportedly arrested after attempting to confront democratic socialists at a Stapleton Heights restaurant event.
Lobaido mentioned he received three subpoenas for violating noise ordinances and for his unruly behavior.
“I guess I have to plead guilty to that,” he remarked about the last incident. “Four-letter language is kind of my middle name.”
Protesters dressed in red, white, and blue rallied behind Robaid, supporting the GOP candidate and brandishing signs that read, “Curtis Sliwa for Mayor,” as they gathered at the restaurant where Mamdani was speaking.
“Let me tell you something — Bug, you won’t be welcomed on this king’s island,” shouted Robaid, mockingly referring to him as “Mumdandy.”
“You hate this country, and you hate this island.”
Despite the insults, the Democratic candidate kept a cheerful demeanor, smiling and waving as protesters yelled, “F You” and “Go Home.”
Mamdani took the opportunity to voice his opposition to Trump’s immigration policies but had remained relatively quiet for the days leading up to the event, only briefly mentioning his competitor, Andrew Cuomo.
He asserted that the Trump administration was attacking the very fabric of New York City and pledged to uphold its status as a sanctuary city for immigrants.
“We’ll continue that status and ensure that ICE agents must provide a judicial warrant signed by a judge to operate on school property, hospitals, or any city contractor,” he stated.
In response to being questioned about campaigning in Republican-dominant Staten Island, Mamdani explained he’s a Democratic candidate who aims to visit all corners of the city and engage with Trump supporters.
He didn’t seem fazed by the protesters.
“I don’t discourage them from coming to Staten Island. Regardless of their politics, there are Republicans who genuinely want to engage,” he said.
Among the various protesters outside, a 65-year-old Staten Island resident from Florida was notably wearing an “Alligator Alcatraz” t-shirt.
“I told them it was a family emergency, but this is a little bigger than that,” he remarked.
