The Italian American community has united in condemning New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani over a 2020 incident where he was photographed flipping off a Christopher Columbus statue. This event reignited debates about the historical significance of Columbus Day, which is deeply tied to Italian American heritage. Leaders from the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations argue that Columbus Day was established in 1892 following a mass lynching of Italian immigrants in New Orleans. This historical context underscores the importance of the holiday to the community. The controversy has also drawn attention to local officials like Mayor Eric Adams, who aims to designate Columbus statues as historical landmarks to prevent their removal if Mamdani is elected. Political figures such as President Donald Trump have shown support for Columbus Day, which has been met with approval from Italian American leaders. The debate highlights the complex relationship between historical figures, cultural identity, and modern political discourse.