Two retired FBI agents who investigated the 1993 World Trade Center bombing have publicly condemned New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for his close ties with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a controversial Brooklyn-based cleric linked to the attack’s mastermind. The agents, Frank Pellegrino and John Anticev, described Mamdani’s alliance with Wahhaj as ‘foolish,’ arguing that the imam’s long history with radical Islamist movements and his role in defending convicted terrorists pose serious risks to public safety and political integrity.
The controversy has intensified as critics draw attention to Wahhaj’s past associations, which include his support for Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, the ‘Blind Sheikh’ implicated in the 1993 bombing, and his advocacy for Islamic law that would replace U.S. democracy. Wahhaj, a former convert who rose to prominence as a bridge between immigrant Muslim leaders and Black Muslim converts, has long been a figure of debate within the Islamic community. Some of his statements, such as his 2003 assertion that a society ruled by Islamic law ‘would be superior to American democracy,’ have raised significant concerns about his ideological stance.
Mamdani, a rising figure in the Democratic Party, has faced backlash for his public endorsement of Wahhaj, with critics warning that such associations could signal a dangerous shift toward extremist ideologies within the party. The debate over his judgment has sparked broader discussions about the role of religious leaders in politics and the potential risks of aligning with figures with controversial histories. As the race for mayor intensifies, the controversy surrounding Mamdani’s relationship with Wahhaj continues to dominate public discourse.