Mamdani Poses with Controversial Imam Wahhaj, Sparking Backlash Over Terror Ties

New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, shared photos of himself smiling arm-in-arm with Imam Siraj Wahhaj during a campaign event at Brooklyn's Masjid At-Taqwa mosque, praising the cleric as "one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders and a pillar of the Bed-Stuy community for nearly half a century."

The event, organized in partnership with the activist group Black Muslims Now, aimed to engage the Black Muslim community ahead of the November 4 election, with Mamdani joined by City Councilmember Yusef Salaam.

However, the appearance has ignited fierce criticism due to Wahhaj's historical associations with terrorism-related figures, including his designation as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

The gathering occurred during Jummah prayers at the Fulton Street mosque, where Mamdani addressed attendees on his plans for the Black Muslim community as NYC's first Muslim mayoral candidate.

In his X post, Mamdani described the meeting as a "beautiful Jummah," emphasizing Wahhaj's long-standing role in the community.

Mamdani's campaign has not responded to requests for further comment on the controversy.

Supporters view the outreach as part of Mamdani's progressive platform focusing on affordability, free public transit, and community engagement.

Wahhaj's Controversial Background

Imam Siraj Wahhaj, 75, leads the Muslim Alliance in North America and has been a prominent figure in U.S. Islamic circles.

Prosecutors named him an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 WTC bombing, which killed six and injured over 1,000, though he was never charged and has denied involvement.

Wahhaj testified in defense of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, the "Blind Sheikh" convicted as the plot's mastermind, calling him a "respected scholar."

He has also criticized U.S. agencies as the "real terrorists" and advocated for Islamic principles over democracy in past speeches.

In 2018, three of Wahhaj's children were arrested after authorities discovered 11 children in squalid conditions at a New Mexico compound, where prosecutors alleged training for attacks against non-believers.

Wahhaj's son received a life sentence for terrorism-related charges. Wahhaj has claimed he alerted police to the situation and maintains his innocence in all matters.

The photos quickly drew condemnation from conservative figures and pro-Israel advocates. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who previously called Mamdani a "jihadist" and "raging antisemite" over his stance on Hamas, amplified the story, linking it to broader concerns about his foreign policy views.

Activist Eyal Yakoby questioned, "Who could possibly vote for him?" while conservative commentators like Laura Loomer and Amy Mek labeled Mamdani a "security threat" tied to "jihadists."

On X, users accused Mamdani of normalizing extremism, with posts warning of a "threat" to NYC's safety. Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen echoed Stefanik's criticism, calling Mamdani "unfit" and "pro-Hamas."

This incident compounds scrutiny on Mamdani, a democratic socialist assemblymember, amid his lead in polls. Recent debates saw him equivocate on Hamas disarmament, drawing accusations of sympathy for the group. His campaign has also faced questions over donations from groups like CAIR and ICNA, linked to Islamist networks, though amplified by NYC's public matching funds.

With early voting starting October 25, the controversy could sway voters in Jewish, Muslim, and moderate communities, amid ongoing debates over antisemitism and security in post-9/11 New York.