Threat to NYC Mayoral Candidate Under Investigation

The New York City Police Department’s Hate Crimes unit is facing challenges while looking into threats made against mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani.

According to statements from Mamdani’s office, he has received four threatening voicemails over the past few months. Recently, it was reported that he received a threat involving a car bomb, although it has come to light that he does not own a vehicle.

One particularly disturbing voicemail stated, “You’re a terrorist for s**t. You’re not welcome in New York or America. Start your car and see what happens. I look at your home and family.” In response, Mamdani’s team clarified, “Zohran does not own a car, but he is cautious and believes the caller may be the same person repeatedly.”

While he hasn’t shared the latest messages online, Mamdani has previously posted other voicemails on his social media page.

In March, Mamdani had criticized right-wing individuals after receiving a threatening message. He mentioned being told to “wash the feet of Europe,” which ties into the broader discourse surrounding his campaign.

The caller also labeled various groups as “terrorists” and made violent comments about Muslims. In November 2023, he shared another voicemail that included troubling statements about various demographics.

The June threat emerged shortly after Mamdani faced scrutiny concerning comments made about the Jewish community, specifically regarding his support for the phrase “globalize intifadas.” He seemed uncertain when addressing questions from a reporter, taking about 20 seconds to articulate his commitment to combatting anti-Semitism as mayor.

“As mayor, I will protect Jewish New Yorkers,” Mamdani stated, emphasizing his stance.

A local reporter expressed that while threats against politicians like Mamdani are unacceptable, it’s also important to acknowledge the implications of his language toward the Jewish community. “We can condemn the threat without ignoring the harm that his words have caused,” he noted.

Currently, the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the situation, but reports indicate that the threatening calls came from untraceable numbers, with no arrests made thus far.