NYC Mayor Mamdani Faces Backlash After Rikers Island Visit

Critics question Mamdani's decision to break Ramadan fast with inmates at notorious jail

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:04pm

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced social media outrage after visiting Rikers Island jail to break his Ramadan fast with Muslim inmates. Mamdani called the visit 'one of the most meaningful evenings' as mayor, but critics slammed the decision to engage with 'violent criminals' at the notorious jail. The mayor has pledged to shut down Rikers and transition to borough-based jails, but the visit sparked a fierce online debate.

Why it matters

Mamdani's visit to Rikers Island during Ramadan has ignited a broader discussion about criminal justice reform, the mayor's relationship with the Muslim community, and perceptions of his priorities as the leader of New York City.

The details

During his visit, Mamdani was joined by Yusef Salaam, a member of the 'Central Park Five' who was exonerated of a 1989 assault. The mayor reiterated his pledge to shut down Rikers and transition to borough-based jails, hinting at plans to hire a facilitator to expedite the process. Critics on social media, including a former college football coach and lawmaker, questioned Mamdani's decision to engage with 'violent criminals' at Rikers and accused him of 'dividing the country'.

  • Mamdani visited Rikers Island during Ramadan in March 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who has embraced his Muslim faith and visited Rikers Island to break his Ramadan fast with Muslim inmates.

Yusef Salaam

A member of the 'Central Park Five' who was exonerated of a 1989 assault and now serves on the New York City Council.

Daniel Friedman

A mystery novelist who lives in New York City and criticized Mamdani's decision to visit Rikers Island.

Moshe Hill

A long-time Long Island resident and candidate for the Nassau County legislature who agreed with Friedman's criticism of Mamdani.

Rob Schmitt

A host on Newsmax who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that 'Mayor likes to hang out with the people who victimize us. F—ing ridiculous.'

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What they’re saying

“You have to be an absolute monster to be sent to Rikers Island these days.”

— Daniel Friedman, Mystery novelist

“Criminals in prison are just 'New Yorkers in custody,' according to Mamdani. Why are they in custody? You don't go to Rikers Island for nothing!”

— Moshe Hill, Long-time Long Island resident and candidate for the Nassau County legislature

“Mayor likes to hang out with the people who victimize us. F—ing ridiculous.”

— Rob Schmitt, Newsmax host

“Visiting people in jail is admirable but just wondering if you've also visited their victims / the families of their victims? Seems like there is a bizarre progressive determination to invert victimization I can't quite understand.”

— Daniella Greenbaum Davis, Emmy-Award winning producer and columnist

“The enemy is inside the gates.”

— Tommy Tuberville, Former college football coach and GOP senator

What’s next

The judge overseeing the plan to shut down Rikers Island and transition to borough-based jails is expected to make a decision on the timeline for the transition in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's visit to Rikers Island has sparked a heated debate about criminal justice reform, his relationship with the Muslim community, and perceptions of his priorities as the leader of New York City. The backlash highlights the ongoing tensions and differing views around issues of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation.