NYC Mayor Criticized for Downplaying Terror Attack Near His Home

Zohran Mamdani faces backlash for failing to fully condemn ISIS-inspired attack and clashing with police over 'Snowballgate' incident

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is openly anti-Israel and has been accused of being antisemitic, is facing criticism for his response to a recent terror attack near his mansion and his handling of a separate incident involving police being pelted with ice and snow balls. Mamdani has been accused of downplaying the terror attack and clashing with his own police commissioner over the 'Snowballgate' incident, raising concerns about his leadership.

Why it matters

Mamdani's response to these incidents has raised questions about his ability to effectively lead the city and address public safety concerns, especially given his socialist political leanings and his wife's alleged support for terrorist groups like Hamas. The mayor's actions have also drawn comparisons to the policies of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who is seen as a political ally of Mamdani.

The details

In the terror attack, explosive devices were tossed at an anti-Muslim protest near Mamdani's mansion. Instead of fully condemning the attack, the mayor criticized the organizer of the protest, saying 'Such hate has no place in New York City.' He also downplayed the 'Snowballgate' incident, in which police were pelted with ice and snow balls, some of which were allegedly packed with rocks, leading to injuries. Mamdani claimed it was just a 'snowball fight that got out of hand,' but his police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, took a stronger stance, saying she would not tolerate attacks on her officers.

  • On March 8, 2026, explosive devices were tossed at an anti-Muslim protest near Mayor Mamdani's mansion.
  • On March 9, 2026, Mayor Mamdani addressed the terror attack and the 'Snowballgate' incident.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who is openly anti-Israel and has been accused of being antisemitic.

Rama Duwaji

The wife of Mayor Mamdani, who has been criticized for liking social media posts celebrating a Hamas attack against Israel.

Jessica Tisch

The police commissioner of New York City, who took a stronger stance than Mayor Mamdani in addressing the 'Snowballgate' incident.

Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston, who is seen as a political ally of Mayor Mamdani and whose socialist policies have drawn comparisons to Mamdani's.

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What they’re saying

“Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city's values and the unity that defines who we are.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (bostonherald.com)

“Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (bostonherald.com)

“I will hold this department to the highest standards. When those standards are met, I will always be fiercely protective of you, and as you've seen recently, I certainly will not tolerate any attacks on my cops.”

— Jessica Tisch, Police Commissioner of New York City (bostonherald.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case of the 'Snowballgate' incident will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspects to be charged.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's response to these incidents has raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the city and address public safety concerns, especially given his socialist political leanings and his wife's alleged support for terrorist groups. His actions have drawn comparisons to the policies of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who is seen as a political ally, further fueling the debate around the role of socialist policies in urban governance.