UPDATE: Democratic New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani made headlines today after appearing at the Masjid At-Taqwa mosque alongside Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a cleric with ties to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. This controversial alliance raises significant questions as Mamdani, who currently leads the mayoral race with 52% support, seeks to solidify his base just weeks before the election.
During his visit on October 18, 2025, Mamdani praised Wahhaj as a “pillar” of the Bed-Stuy community, a statement that has sparked immediate backlash given Wahhaj’s past connections to individuals involved in terrorism. Prosecutors once named Wahhaj among potential co-conspirators in the infamous 1993 attack that killed six people and injured over 1,000 others.
Authorities report that Wahhaj’s children were sentenced to life in prison in 2024 for their roles in a jihadist training compound in New Mexico. This compound was allegedly used to carry out attacks against the U.S. government. Wahhaj claimed he assisted law enforcement by revealing the compound’s location, attempting to distance himself from the extremist actions of his family.
The implications of Mamdani’s choice to associate with Wahhaj are vast. Just last year, Wahhaj testified as a character witness for Omar Abdel-Rahman, a cleric convicted of orchestrating plans to murder Americans and attack U.S. military installations. Wahhaj referred to Abdel-Rahman as a “respected scholar,” a statement that resonates troublingly given Abdel-Rahman’s designation as a terrorist by the State Department.
In a sermon, Wahhaj previously stated, “In time, this so-called democracy will crumble, and there will be nothing. And the only thing that will remain will be Islam,” comments that amplify concerns about his influence in the community. Despite this, Wahhaj recently endorsed Mamdani in a social media video, calling him a “very good candidate.”
As the election approaches, Mamdani’s support is crucial. He currently leads the race, with disgraced former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo trailing at 28% and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa at 14%, according to an October 16 survey by Beacon Research/Shaw & Company Research.
The political landscape is shifting rapidly, and Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment regarding this controversial meeting. This development raises urgent questions about the implications for his candidacy and the broader electorate.
As voters prepare for the upcoming election, the focus remains on Mamdani’s controversial ties and the potential impact on his support. What happens next will be pivotal in shaping the future of New York City leadership.
