Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Oct 26: In a sharp exchange during the New York mayoral campaign, US Vice President JD Vance criticized Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani over remarks about his aunt avoiding the subway after the 9/11 attacks due to feeling unsafe in her hijab. Vance quipped that, according to Mamdani, the real victim of 9/11 "was his auntie who got some (allegedly) bad looks."

Mamdani, speaking outside a Bronx Mosque alongside Muslim leaders, had recounted his aunt’s experience and discussed the broader indignities faced by New York’s Muslim community. He shared that Muslims were often advised to keep their faith private, lessons he said were underscored during the ongoing mayoral campaign.

The New York mayoral race is shaping up as a tense contest. Curtis Sliwa (Republican) and Andrew Cuomo (Independent) are challenging Mamdani, while incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is not running this cycle. Over the past weeks, Mamdani has faced accusations of radicalism, which many Democrats allege have veered into Islamophobic rhetoric.

Cuomo faced backlash for appearing to laugh along on a conservative radio station when a host suggested Mamdani would cheer another 9/11 attack, while Adams has linked concerns about Islamic extremism to European issues, and Sliwa labeled Mamdani a supporter of "global jihad."

Responding to the criticisms, Mamdani said his campaign aimed to show that Muslims should be treated like any other New Yorker. He admitted initially downplaying his faith to avoid prejudice but noted that no amount of redirection has shielded him from racist and baseless attacks.

The mayoral race continues to highlight deep divides over identity, religion, and campaign rhetoric in New York City’s political landscape.