NYC Mayor Mamdani Condemns Islamophobic Attacks

Mamdani says he and Muslim New Yorkers feel "isolation" and "loneliness" from hateful rhetoric.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:51pm

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used an iftar dinner at the Museum of the City of New York to condemn recent Islamophobic comments from local and national politicians, including a Texas congressman who called a photo of Mamdani at the dinner "stomach churning" and an Alabama senator who compared the dinner to the 9/11 attacks. Mamdani said the comments were dehumanizing and threatened the safety of Muslim New Yorkers, and he referenced a recent attack on a 12-year-old Muslim girl. The mayor said Muslims have faced discrimination in New York for nearly as long as the city has existed.

Why it matters

Mamdani's speech highlights the ongoing challenges and discrimination faced by Muslim Americans, especially those in high-profile positions. As one of the country's most prominent Muslim politicians, Mamdani's response offers insight into how Muslim leaders are navigating hateful rhetoric and attacks on their communities.

The details

During the iftar dinner, Mamdani addressed Islamophobic comments made by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and NYC Councilwoman Vickie Paladino. Mamdani said the comments were dehumanizing and threatened the safety of Muslim New Yorkers, referencing a recent attack on a 12-year-old Muslim girl. The mayor said Muslims have faced discrimination in New York for nearly as long as the city has existed.

  • On Wednesday, Rep. Brandon Gill commented on X that a photo of Mamdani at the iftar dinner was "stomach churning."
  • On Thursday, Sen. Tommy Tuberville responded to side-by-side images of the iftar dinner and the 9/11 attacks by writing, "The enemy is inside the gates."
  • Councilwoman Vickie Paladino has shared social media posts associating Mamdani with Islamic terrorism.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City and one of the country's most high-profile Muslim politicians.

Brandon Gill

A Republican congressman from Texas who made Islamophobic comments about Mamdani.

Tommy Tuberville

A Republican senator from Alabama who made Islamophobic comments comparing Mamdani's iftar dinner to the 9/11 attacks.

Vickie Paladino

A New York City councilwoman who has shared social media posts associating Mamdani with Islamic terrorism.

Shahana Hanif

A New York City councilwoman who attended Mamdani's iftar dinner and said the mayor's response gives "the rest of us a lot of courage to speak out."

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What they’re saying

“I have known these experiences as a young man, as a candidate for office, as the mayor of New York City. And when I hear such hatred and disdain unchecked in its rancor, I feel an isolation and a loneliness that I know that many of you have felt as well.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (New York Times)

“For nearly as long as there has been a New York City, there have been Muslim New Yorkers. And yet for nearly just as long, those with power and platform have sought to dehumanize us.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (New York Times)

“It gives the rest of us a lot of courage to to speak out, but also to be able to encourage our constituents.”

— Shahana Hanif, New York City Councilwoman (New York Times)

What’s next

The mayor's office has not announced any specific next steps, but Councilwoman Hanif said she hopes Mamdani's continued rebuke of these attacks will lead to further policy changes to make Muslim New Yorkers feel more comfortable and safe in their communities.

The takeaway

Mamdani's speech highlights the ongoing challenges and discrimination faced by Muslim Americans, especially those in high-profile positions. As one of the country's most prominent Muslim politicians, Mamdani's response offers insight into how Muslim leaders are navigating hateful rhetoric and attacks on their communities.