Mamdani Faces Opposition in Staten Island Visit
On Wednesday afternoon, Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, found not everyone on Staten Island was eager to see him. A protester wearing a “Trump Girl” t-shirt shouted, “Go back to where you came from,” while waving an American flag at the 33-year-old socialist, all this occurring outside Istanbul Bay, a Mediterranean restaurant.
This incident unfolded during Mamdani’s third anti-Trump event of the week, where protesters filled the air with noise, using cowbells, sirens, and megaphones. Despite the chaos outside and the sweltering heat, Mamdani managed to keep smiling. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “It makes me sad to hear the language being told to go back to where I came, but it’s not surprising as it characterizes President Trump’s politics.”
Mamdani’s speech took aim at Trump’s immigration policies, as he declared, “We are fighting to keep NYC a sanctuary city.” This was part of his week’s events titled “Five wards against Trump,” where he reiterated his commitment to protecting New Yorkers from a potential crackdown on illegal immigration if he were to win the mayoral race this November.
In response to the protesters, he said, “No matter where they live, what politics they have, I don’t discourage them from continuing to come to Staten Island and talk to New Yorkers. Because we know there are other people who are honest with their questions just as much as Republicans feel that way.”
Some protesters shared their intentions to vote for Curtis Sliwa, CEO of the Guardian Angels, in the upcoming election. One island resident named Ed remarked, “He is the only person who can save our city,” and added that he wanted to throw a “small surprise party” for Mamdani to show that he doesn’t represent Staten Island values.
“This is Trump’s country,” another protester, Manny, stated, expressing dissatisfaction with Mamdani’s policies, which he feels are out of touch with the community.
Trump secured a significant victory in Staten Island during the 2024 presidential election, winning by a margin of 30 points, while in nearby Brooklyn, Kamala Harris had a commanding lead of 44 points.
Tommy Banks, a local, succinctly conveyed the sentiment towards Mamdani: “Out of town.” Another protester, Liz, shouted as Mamdani left in his SUV, expressing her displeasure by calling him “a communist” rather than a true Democrat. She critiqued his proposals for free childcare and other government initiatives, predicting a “disaster” if he became mayor.
While many criticized him, Shahana Masum, a supporter wearing a wallet that proclaimed, “Zohran of Staten Island,” defended Mamdani. She expressed her frustration at being told to “go back” and emphasized her pride in her community.
As the political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, the reactions to Mamdani’s visit highlight the stark divide among Staten Islanders regarding his vision for the city.
