Two ex-FBI agents who were involved in the investigation of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing expressed their disapproval of New York mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani’s decision to campaign with an imam linked to the attack’s mastermind. They described this choice as “stupid.”
Mamdani recently attended prayers at Masjid at Taqwa in Brooklyn and shared a cheerful photo alongside Imam Shirazi Wahhaj, who has defended convicted terrorists and has a history of supporting controversial figures. In his post, Mamdani described Wahhaj as a respected leader in the local community, despite being only a child when the bombing took place.
Frank Pellegrino, one of the former agents, expressed his disgust at Mamdani’s connection to Wahhaj, suggesting either ignorance or indifference on Mamdani’s part regarding Wahhaj’s background. He asserted that the candidate’s actions make him appear foolish.
John Antichev, another former FBI agent, advised that Mamdani should be cautious about aligning with someone like Wahhaj, noting the latter’s extremist leanings.
Wahhaj, the founder of the Brooklyn mosque, has been a controversial figure since the time of the attack, having hosted the “blind sheikh,” who orchestrated the bombing. Although he has never been criminally charged, he has denied any role in the plot. He also helped finance legal defenses for other high-profile cases related to terrorism.
Wahhaj’s ideology, which has drawn ire from moderate Muslims, raises concerns about Mamdani’s political future and his association with leaders espousing anti-American views. Islamic scholar Dalia Ziada remarked that Wahhaj embodies the same ideology that has contributed to extremism over the years, emphasizing her worries about mosques being used for political purposes in a democratic society.
Soraya Deen, another critic, recalled her meeting with Wahhaj years ago, expressing her astonishment at his extremist views. She condemned Mamdani for his endorsement of Wahhaj, labeling it dangerous for both America and Muslims globally.
Mamdani faces scrutiny for a $100,000 donation to his campaign from a political action committee connected to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which has faced allegations of supporting Hamas. There’s a broader concern that Mamdani’s affiliations signal a disregard for moderate perspectives among Muslims, further alienating those who oppose radicalism.
Wahhaj has made statements in the past that suggest a desire to harness American democratic processes for Islamic aims, raising alarms among various observers. In a troubling context, he has previously encouraged Muslims to restrict their children’s friendships to other Muslims, fearing exposure to non-Muslim influences.
The controversial relationship between Mamdani and Wahhaj has sparked discussions about judgment within the Democratic Party and its openness to extremist affiliations. For many reform-minded Muslims, Mamdani’s celebrations with Wahhaj symbolize a distressing message about combating extremism.
This story continues to unfold, as public reaction intensifies regarding Mamdani’s choices and the potential implications for his candidacy and the broader political landscape.
