NYPD investigates car bomb threat against Muslim mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, as leaders denounce Islamophobic violence.

Police Launch Hate Crime Investigation Following Threats

The New York City Police Department’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating a car bomb threat made against city mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, according to a statement from Mamdani’s campaign office on Thursday. Notably, Mamdani, who is seeking to become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, does not own a vehicle, but his office said the violent and specific language of the threats—apparently from a repeat caller—was alarming enough to warrant every precaution.

In the statement, Mamdani’s team highlighted the rise in anti-Muslim and racist threats, noting, “After multiple death threats and racist messages, Assembly Mamdani’s office is participating in an ongoing investigation by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force.” The campaign linked the threats to the broader political climate, stating, “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.” The office reaffirmed that “violence and racism should have no place in our politics,” emphasizing Mamdani’s focus on delivering a “safe and affordable New York.”

Political Leaders Condemn Islamophobic Threats

Mamdani’s candidacy has drawn sharp criticism from his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, largely due to his stances on Middle East issues—tensions that have intensified amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. In a recent debate, Mamdani stated, “Israel has a right to exist,” but refused to agree that Israel should exist specifically as a “Jewish state,” instead advocating for “a state with equal rights.”

According to NYPD, police received a report Wednesday morning from a caller who had received four voicemails on various dates, containing threatening, anti-Muslim statements from an unknown individual. While the report did not specify whether Mamdani himself reported the threats, authorities confirmed that no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Despite political differences, Cuomo condemned the threats in a statement on X, calling the situation “an atrocious threat of political violence against Mr. Mamdani.” He added, “It is unacceptable — I strongly condemn these threats and any others like them. This has no place in our politics or our society. Thankfully, no one was harmed. This is a pivotal time in this country, and we need to tone down the rhetoric and focus on the people’s agenda.”

New York City Comptroller and fellow mayoral candidate Brad Lander also condemned the Islamophobic threats, stating, “The hideous threats of Islamophobic violence against [Zohran Mamdani] are dangerous and morally reprehensible. I condemn this behavior to the fullest extent. Hate has no place in New York City.” Lander himself was arrested earlier this week by the Department of Homeland Security following an alleged altercation with a federal officer.

As the investigation continues, city officials and candidates across the political spectrum are united in denouncing hate and ensuring the safety and integrity of New York’s political process.