Two ex-FBI agents, who were part of the investigation into the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, conveyed to Fox News Digital that it would be “unwise” for New York mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani to connect with an imam tied to the incident.
Mamdani recently participated in a prayer session at Masjid at Taqwa in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant. Following that, he shared a cheerful photograph with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a cleric from Brooklyn known as a co-conspirator in the failed bombing and someone who has consistently defended convicted terrorists and fundraised for their legal needs.
“Today at Masjid Atakwa, I was honored to meet Imam Shiraj Wahhaj, one of the leading Islamic figures in the country and a cornerstone of the Bed-Stuy community,” Mamdani stated, reflecting on his personal connection, even though he was quite young when the attack occurred.
Frank Pellegrino, a former FBI agent who worked on the case, expressed his dismay seeing such an association with Wahhaj from someone who might soon be mayor. He remarked, “Mamdani’s friendliness toward Wahhaj highlights either his ignorance about who Wahaj is or a disregard for that knowledge. In either case, it makes him look foolish.”
Another former FBI agent, John Antichev, who took the lead on the investigation, asserted that Mamdani should be more discerning in his choice of supporters. He commented, “Political figures ought to know their allies. Siraj Wahhaj is not just any cleric; he’s backed extremist stances.”
Wahhaj, originally named Jeffrey Kurth, established the mosque in 1991 and has a controversial reputation. Following the World Trade Center attacks, he was named an unindicted co-conspirator because he had invited Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, later found guilty as the mastermind of the bombing. While Wahhaj has faced no criminal charges and denies any wrongdoing, he was also known for raising funds for the legal defense of El Sayed Nosail, involved in a 1990 assassination conspiracy.
While Wahhaj has not given a comment, his past actions raise concerns among critics. For Muslims opposed to his views, Mamdani’s choice to align with him poses questions about what his potential administration might prioritize, hinting at ties to leaders harboring anti-American and anti-Semitic sentiments.
Dalia Ziada, a researcher from the Global Antisemitism and Policy Research Institute, emphasized that Wahhaj embodies the same Islamism that has perpetuated extremism in the Middle East, suggesting that Mamdani’s support normalizes dangerous ideologies.
Soraya Deen, co-founder of the Clarity Coalition, recalled how she first encountered Wahhaj’s rhetoric years ago, noting, “I was shocked by his call to undermine America.” She found Mamdani’s photo with Wahhaj deeply troubling, viewing it as a risk to national stability and to the Muslim community as well.
In a different political aspect, Mamdani’s campaign faces scrutiny from various sides, particularly after receiving a hefty donation from a political action committee tied to groups previously named as co-conspirators in a significant trial involving Hamas funding. This connection complicates perceptions, especially since Mamdani has incorporated elements sympathetic to controversial figures in his music.
Wahhaj has, in the past, vocally advocated for an agenda that capitalizes on American democratic principles to promote an Islamic framework. His remarks often stir discontent, labeling the U.S. as a “dirty” place governed by flawed principles.
In discussions about Mamdani’s judgment, many voices, like Dr. Zudi Jasser, highlight the danger posed by his connection to Wahhaj, calling it a glaring example of extremism in the political landscape.
Wahhaj has been influential in fundraising for Islamist organizations, advocating for an interpretation of Islam that directly contradicts mainstream American values. There have been serious concerns stemming from his past, such as his controversial comments about non-Muslims and the negative impact they could have on the younger generation.
The debate over Mamdani’s connections reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party and raises questions about its stance toward extremism. While some still respect Wahhaj, figures aiming for reform within the Muslim community find this association problematic, worrying that it sends improper signals to those trying to draw a line between faith and extremism, especially in light of New York’s tragic past.
