Vance Responds After Zohran Mamdani Says His Aunt Felt Unsafe In Hijab Post 9/11

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani recounted the challenges faced by New York’s Muslim community during a recent campaign event outside a Bronx mosque. Speaking to local leaders, Mamdani shared how his aunt stopped taking the subway after the 9/11 attacks because she “did not feel safe in her hijab."

He also revealed that he had been advised to downplay his faith upon entering politics. “These are lessons that so many Muslim New Yorkers have been taught," he said, highlighting systemic pressures and subtle discrimination over the years.

Mamdani’s remarks come amid a tense mayoral race in New York, where he faces Republican Curtis Sliwa and Independent Andrew Cuomo. Both opponents, along with outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, have recently made statements targeting Mamdani’s faith.

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