Rep. Randy Fine called for NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's denaturalization and deportation Sunday, hours after a man assaulted congregants and security at Central Synagogue during Shabbat services.
"Jihadi Mamdani does not belong as Mayor of NYC. He needs to be denaturalized and sent back home to Uganda. I've had enough of his garbage," Fine posted on X around 12:57 a.m. UTC. The post received thousands of likes and reposts within hours.
Fine linked the assault, which prosecutors charged as a hate crime. to what he characterized as Mamdani's insufficient support for Israel. On Saturday, after the incident, he had posted that the attack was "exactly what happens when you put a terrorist like Jihadi Mamdani in charge of New York."
Larry Montes, the alleged attacker, was arrested and charged with hate crimes including assault. Mamdani responded to the incident by stating his commitment to protecting religious freedom and condemning the attack: "Every resident must be able to observe their religion without fear. Acts of hatred have no place in our city."
Mamdani, elected in 2025, was born in Uganda and became a U.S. citizen in 2018, maintaining dual citizenship. His election prompted pushback from pro-Israel advocates over his statements on Palestinian civilians and Israeli policy. Fine has repeatedly invoked Mamdani's background and citizenship, referencing "his dad's mansion in Uganda" and using inflammatory labels.
Under U.S. law, denaturalization requires proof of material fraud during naturalization, not political disagreement. Legal experts note Fine's calls reflect broader tensions around citizenship and loyalty in American political discourse.
