New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has landed in hot water due to a photo taken with an Imam alleged to have been involved in the World Trade Center attacks. Mamdani recently visited Masjid At-Taqwa where the controversial photo was taken.
Last week, the 34-year-old Mamdani, of Indian descent, attended Friday prayers at a mosque in Brooklyn and was seen smiling and holding hands with Imam Siraj Wahhaj. Wahhaj was named as a co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, though he has not been charged. Six people lost their lives in the attack.
Democratic leader Zohran Mamdani posted the photos with Wahhaj, lauding him as one of the nation's "foremost Muslim leaders" and a "pillar" of the Brooklyn Muslim community. Republican lawmakers, including former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk, criticized Mamdani sharply.
Mamdani stated, "Today at Masjid At-Taqwa, I had the privilege of meeting Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a leading Muslim figure and a bedrock of the Bed Stuy community."
Trump and Musk's Reaction
Criticizing Mamdani, Trump called the situation disgraceful, condemning Mamdani for promoting Wahhaj, known for incendiary rhetoric.
Trump remarked, "The Mamdani affair... feels catastrophic. It's a shame he's supporting Wahhaj and maintaining such friendliness. There's clearly a connection. Remember, he blew up the World Trade Center, didn't he?"
US Vice President JD Vance urged widespread condemnation from Democrats via "X" for associating with an "undisclosed co-conspirator in a terrorist plot."
New York Republican representative Elise Stefanik labeled Mamdani a "jihadist" openly campaigning with "terrorists."
Elon Musk, a business tycoon, simply commented "wow" on Mamdani's meeting with Wahhaj.
Musk, who recently became the first person with a $500 billion net worth, frequently targets Mamdani with cryptic comments. Previously, Mamdani suggested billionaires shouldn't exist.
Amid intense criticism, Mamdani remains silent, alleging he's being targeted due to his faith. According to a New York Post report, Mamdani told journalists, "It's happening because of my religion and because I'm on the verge of winning this election."
The New York Mayor election is slated for November 4, 2025.
Who is the Imam Calling the CIA 'Real Terrorists'?
This controversy has thrust Brooklyn Mosque's 75-year-old Imam Siraj Wahhaj into the spotlight.
Despite no charges in connection with the World Trade Center attack, federal investigators allege some accused visited his mosque. Wahhaj denies any ties to the attack, yet defended the perpetrators and has called the FBI and CIA "real terrorists."
He's believed to have close ties with terrorist Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as the "Blind Sheikh," convicted of plotting the 1993 bombing.
Wahhaj testified for Rahman, proclaiming him a "courageous, powerful proponent of Islam."
The Imam has fiercely criticized homosexuality, called for stoning for adultery, and advocated polygamy. His incendiary statements have frequently drawn attention.
Years ago, Wahhaj claimed that united American Muslims wouldn't need to vote for Bush or Clinton and could choose their own 'Amir', affirming their allegiance.
