Whether you’ve heard of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani or not, the one thing you need to know is that the city’s ultra-wealthy are absolutely terrified he might actually win the Democratic primary. And while nothing is guaranteed, it looks like he might actually do exactly that, even with Cuomo supporters doing their best to blanket the city in ads and mailers claiming Mamdani is an antisemitic socialist who will ruin everything. The anti-Mamdani fervor has gotten so aggressive in recent weeks that he’s even received multiple death threats, including at least one threat to blow up his car, ABC 7 News reports.
It’s absolutely unhinged to resort to death threats, and it’s also important that authorities take those death threats seriously, not just because at least four of those threats reportedly included Islamophobic language. After all, an Evangelical Trump supporter was just arrested for killing Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as shooting State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. That said, there’s one little problem with threatening to blow up Mamdani’s car — he somewhat famously doesn’t own a car.
It may be hard to believe a politician in the U.S. doesn’t own a car, but remember, we’re talking about New York City here. It’s one of the few places in the country where it makes more sense not to own a car. Congestion pricing has significantly cut down on traffic, but Mamdani just takes public transportation, walks or rides a bike when he wants to go somewhere, just like so many other regular New Yorkers. You know, since he actually lives in the city. So while death threats definitely aren’t some joke, good luck blowing up a car that doesn’t exist, Cuomo-lovers.
Mamdani campaign responds
Mamdani’s campaign has since responded to the death threats, saying in a statement:
While Zohran does not own a car, the violent and specific language of what appears to be a repeat caller is alarming and we are taking every precaution. While this is a sad reality, it is not surprising after millions of dollars have been spent on dehumanizing, Islamophobic rhetoric designed to stoke division and hate. Violence and racism should have no place in our politics. Zohran remains focused on delivering a safe and affordable New York.
To its credit, the New York Police Department appears to be taking the death threats against Mamdani seriously enough to open an investigation and has brought in the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force due to the Islamophobic statements that were made. Whether the investigation will go anywhere, though, remains to be seen.
Mamdani also recently made headlines in the latest NYC Mayoral debate where he drew a stark contrast between himself and the billionaire-backed Andrew Cuomo, saying:
I have never had to resign in disgrace. I have never stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from the MTA. I have never hounded the 13 women who credibly accused me of sexual harassment. I have never sued for their gynecological records. And I have never done those things because I am not you, Mr. Cuomo.
You know, when you put it like that, it sure sounds like New Yorkers shouldn’t even rank Cuomo at all. They also shouldn’t be threatening to kill his rival, but hey, at least we know there’s a good chance Mamdani will be safe from any potential car bombs. At least for now.
