Threats Against NY Legislator Investigated by NYPD
A disturbing voicemail was left at the office of state legislator Zohran Mamdani, where the caller made threats, including mentioning a bomb for his car. This incident occurred on Wednesday and has drawn the attention of the NYPD’s hate crimes squad.
The unidentified individual left two voicemails that, according to reports, contain a mix of offensive language and explicit threats. Both messages were reviewed by the media, revealing a pattern of racist and violent rhetoric.
In one voicemail, the caller expressed hostility, stating, “You are a s-t terrorist and you’re not welcome in New York or America,” while also insinuating threats aimed at Mamdani’s personal safety.
This is not an isolated incident; back in March, Mamdani’s office also received several voicemails that raised alarms about similar anti-Muslim sentiments. Staff reported the most recent hostile voicemail, which seemed consistent with prior threats from the same caller.
A representative from Mamdani’s campaign noted that while he doesn’t own a car, the explicit language used in these messages is alarming. They are taking all necessary precautions regarding this situation.
While this type of hostility is disheartening, it might not be shocking given the broader context of rising Islamophobia in the current political climate. There’s a growing concern about how hateful rhetoric can lead to real-world violence.
Mamdani, a Muslim born in Uganda, has spoken out against violence and racism, mentioning the emotional toll that these threats have on him and his family, although he chose not to share specific details about their implications.
In messages left earlier, the caller suggested Mamdani return to Uganda, while again emphasizing a perception that he does not align with Western values. The voicemails have been traced back to untraceable numbers, complicating efforts to identify the caller.
The NYPD confirmed there have been no arrests yet, and the investigation by the Hate Crimes Task Force continues.
