New York mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani is facing heavy criticism after a photo of him with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a cleric believed to be connected to the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing, surfaced online. The photo, taken during Mamdani’s visit to Masjid At-Taqwa in Brooklyn, shows the 34-year-old Indian-origin politician smiling and standing hand-in-hand with Wahhaj, whom Mamdani referred to as a “pillar of the Muslim community.”
Reactions from Trump, Musk, and Republicans
Former President Donald Trump slammed Mamdani, calling it a “disaster waiting to happen,” while Vice President JD Vance urged Democrats to condemn Mamdani’s association with Wahhaj. Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik described the mayoral candidate as “openly campaigning with terrorists.” Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk reacted with a simple “wow,” fueling public debate.
Mamdani defended himself, stating that the backlash is due to his faith and his front-runner status in the mayoral race.
Who is Siraj Wahhaj?
Siraj Wahhaj, 75, is a prominent Brooklyn imam who was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing. While never charged, Wahhaj has faced scrutiny for links to terrorist Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman and for defending those involved in past terrorist plots.
Wahhaj has a history of controversial remarks, including calls for polygamy, stoning for adultery, and criticism of US intelligence agencies. He has also spoken about uniting American Muslims politically and proposed allegiance to an “emir.”
Political Implications
The controversy has highlighted Mamdani’s association with influential figures in the Muslim community and drawn attention from both political and tech leaders. Observers suggest that this could shape public perception ahead of New York’s mayoral elections.
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