Zohran Mamdani Responds to Car Bomb Death Threats: 'Not Surprising'
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New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who is running in the Democratic primary for mayor in New York City, issued a statement after his office said it received multiple threats about blowing up his car.
Newsweek reached out to Mamdani's campaign and the New York City Police Department outside of business hours for comment.
The Context
Mamdani has emerged as a leading candidate among the city's most progressive voters in the mayoral primary election due to policy proposals, including rent freezes and city-owned grocery stores to combat rising grocery costs. He has been endorsed by New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
Most polls show that one of his rivals, Andrew Cuomo, a centrist candidate who resigned in 2021 as New York's governor amid allegations of sexual harassment that he has denied, has a lead over Mamdani. Whichever candidate wins will likely become the favorite in the November general election, given that New York City is a Democratic stronghold.
Mamdani's campaign recently hired security to deal with the increasing threats made against him. He told reporters this week that he receives anti-Muslim messages and death threats.
Zohran Mamdani attends the 2025 National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City on June 8, 2025.
Zohran Mamdani attends the 2025 National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City on June 8, 2025.
Credit: Katie Godowski/MediaPunch /IPX
What To Know
Mamdani's office received four voicemails from an unknown individual who said they would blow up his car, a spokesperson for his campaign told various news outlets.
"After multiple death threats and racist messages, Assemblymember Mamdani's office is participating in an ongoing investigation by the NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force," the statement said.
"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."
The NYPD said it was investigating the report and added that the calls, which included "threatening anti-Muslim statements," were made on various dates and reported on Wednesday.
What People Are Saying
Zohran Mamdani told reporters earlier this week: "I get messages that say things like the only good Muslim is a dead Muslim. I get threats on my life and on the people that I love and I try not to talk about it."
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is also running in the primary, said in a statement thatit was "an atrocious threat of political violence" that "has no place in our politics or our society."
What Happens Next
The investigation into the threats is ongoing and is being conducted by the Hate Crime Task Force division of the NYPD.
The primary election is next Tuesday, June 24, and early voting has opened. The general election for mayor is November 4, 2025.
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