U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican from New York, has made a strong public accusation against Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral candidate in New York City, labeling him a ‘jihadist’ and ‘raging antisemite.’ In a statement, Stefanik claimed that Mamdani has consistently supported Hamas, the terrorist group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks that claimed the lives of numerous civilians, including New Yorkers. The congressman argued that Mamdani’s refusal to call for Hamas to lay down its arms and step down from leadership in Gaza has demonstrated his extremist affiliations.
Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen of New York echoed similar sentiments, describing Mamdani as ‘Pro-Hamas Zohran’ and asserting that he is ‘unfit to hold any office in the United States.’ Gillen’s comments add to the already charged political environment surrounding the upcoming mayoral election, where Mamdani has been leading in recent polls. However, Mamdani himself has stated he believes Hamas should lay down its arms, indicating a possible contradiction in his position, which has sparked further debate within the political arena.
The controversy has attracted significant media attention, with Fox News covering the issue extensively. The network has reported on the ongoing debate, noting the conflicting statements from both political sides, with some suggesting that Mamdani’s position has changed since the initial accusation. This has led to further scrutiny of his past statements and actions, fueling a broader conversation about political correctness and the role of extremist groups in U.S. politics. The situation is expected to continue to influence public opinion and political strategies as the mayoral race gains momentum.