Following Zohran Mamdani's lead in the New York City mayoral Democratic primary, a wave of xenophobic rhetoric has targeted him, particularly focusing on his Muslim faith. Prominent figures aligned with the MAGA movement have been vocal in their criticism, intertwining his religious background with extremist sentiments.

Laura Loomer, a conservative social media figure, has made alarming statements suggesting that under Mamdani's leadership, the city would face dire consequences reminiscent of past terrorist attacks. Similarly, Charlie Kirk referenced the tragic events of 9/11 in a tweet, implying a direct correlation between Mamdani’s potential mayoralty and the actions of extremists.

Donald Trump Jr. echoed these sentiments, suggesting that electing Mamdani equates to endorsing the events of 9/11, a statement originally posted by Michael Malice. This stark comparison has been widely criticized for its insensitivity and inaccuracy.

Rep. Nancy Mace also joined the discourse, hinting that New Yorkers have forgotten the lessons of 9/11 by supporting Mamdani, accompanied by a photo of him that seemed to underscore her point.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, secured 43.5 percent of first-place votes in a ranked-choice voting system, outpacing former Governor Andrew Cuomo. His campaign has not yet responded to the recent comments. The official results are still pending, expected to finalize in early July.

Despite the attacks on his religion, Mamdani has also faced accusations of antisemitism due to his outspoken criticism of Israel's policies in Gaza. In a June interview, he clarified that his use of the phrase "globalize the intifada" was a call for equality and human rights for Palestinians, not an endorsement of violence.

Mamdani has vigorously defended himself against the antisemitism allegations, emphasizing his commitment to peace and condemning violence against Jewish people. At a recent press conference, he highlighted the personal attacks he has endured due to his religion, revealing threats against his life.

As the final votes are counted and the city anticipates its next leader, the discourse surrounding Mamdani’s candidacy reflects broader tensions and challenges at the intersection of politics, religion, and identity in New York City.