NYC Mayoral Frontrunner Mamdani Admits Lying About Muslim Aunt's Post-9/11 Subway Fear

Zohran Mamdani, a leading socialist candidate for New York City's mayoral race, admitted to fabricating a story about a Muslim aunt who was too scared to ride the subway after the 9/11 attacks, clarifying that the woman he referred to was actually a distant deceased cousin named Zehra Fuhi. Mamdani had emotionally recounted how the attacks led his aunt to avoid public transport due to fear while wearing a hijab, a story that sparked backlash when internet users revealed his only living aunt did not match this description and lived abroad. Relatives of 9/11 victims condemned Mamdani's comments as insensitive and disrespectful to those who suffered losses during the attacks. Mamdani's story was also criticized by political opponents such as Andrew Cuomo, who accused him of playing the victim for political gain, while Mamdani highlighted ongoing discrimination faced by Muslim New Yorkers post-9/11. The incident has intensified debates around racial and religious tensions within the mayoral campaign. Mamdani's efforts to address Muslim community concerns contrast with accusations of theatrics and insincerity from critics.