NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Criticized for 9/11 Aunt Claims Amid Campaign Tensions

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani emotionally recounted how his Muslim aunt stopped riding the subway after 9/11 due to fear of backlash for wearing a hijab, highlighting the challenges faced by Muslims in the city post-9/11. His remarks sparked controversy and criticism from political opponents and figures like Vice President JD Vance, who mocked Mamdani by suggesting he portrayed his aunt as "the real victim" of 9/11. Mamdani accused opponents Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, and Mayor Eric Adams of fueling Islamophobia, while Cuomo accused Mamdani of playing the victim for political gain. Further scrutiny arose when it was revealed that Mamdani's aunt, Masuma Mamdani, did not live in New York during 9/11 and does not wear a hijab, leading some to accuse Mamdani of fabricating the story to promote Islamist narratives. Additionally, Mamdani faced backlash for associating with controversial figures like Imam Siraj Wahhaj, linked to past terrorism allegations. Throughout, Mamdani emphasized the ongoing discrimination and suspicion Muslims face in New York, seeking to speak to their experiences and demand equal respect.