Zohran Mamdani tears up while talking about being a Muslim running for NYC mayor

Zohran Mamdani tears up while talking about being a Muslim running for NYC mayor

Zohran Mamdani tears up while talking about being a Muslim running for NYC mayor

Police in New York City are investigating an alleged car bomb threat against Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who is running in the Democratic primary for mayor.

Mamdani’s office in Queens received four voicemails from an individual threatening to blow up his car, a spokesperson for the assemblyman said.

The NYPD said Thursday it was investigating a report of voicemails “making threatening anti-Muslim statements by an unknown individual. There are no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing by the Hate Crime Task Force.”

The calls were made on various dates and reported on Wednesday, police said.

Mamdani campaign responds to “multiple death threats”

Mamdani’s campaign said it recently hired security due to an uptick in threats against him.

“After multiple death threats and racist messages, Assemblymember Mamdani’s office is participating in an ongoing investigation by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force. While Zohran does not own a car, the violent and specific language of what appears to be a repeat caller is alarming and we are taking every precaution,” the campaign said. “While this is a sad reality, it is not surprising after millions of dollars have been spent on dehumanizing, Islamophobic rhetoric designed to stoke division and hate. Violence and racism should have no place in our politics. Zohran remains focused on delivering a safe and affordable New York.”

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who most polls show is Mamdani’s top competitor in the primary, released a statement calling it “an atrocious threat of political violence” that “has no place in our politics or our society.”

Early voting in the primary is already underway. Election Day is Tuesday, June 24.

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New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s office said Thursday that the New York City Police Department (NYPD) hate crime unit is investigating a car bomb threat made against him, despite not owning a car.

“After multiple death threats and racist messages, Assembly Mamdani’s office is participating in an ongoing investigation by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force,” a statement from the mayoral candidate’s office read. “While Zohran does not own a car, the violent and specific language of what appears to be a repeat caller is alarming and we are taking every precaution.

“While this is a sad reality, it is not surprising after millions of dollars have been spent on dehumanizing, Islamophobic rhetoric designed to stoke division and hate,” the statement continued. “Violence and racism should have no place in our politics. Zohran remains focused on delivering a safe and affordable New York.”

Mamdani, who is vying to be New York City’s first Muslim mayor, has been criticized by his competitors, including former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, for his views on Middle East politics, which reached a boiling point this week amid ongoing strikes between Israel and Iran.

‘GLOBALIZE THE INTIFADA’ PHRASE STIRS TENSIONS ON NYC CAMPAIGN TRAIL AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT RAGES

During a recent mayoral debate, Mamdani said, “Israel has a right to exist.”

But Mamdani refused to agree that Israel has the right to exist as a “Jewish state” but rather “as a state with equal rights.”

CUOMO’S LEAD SHRINKS WITH UNDER ONE WEEK UNTIL NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL PRIMARY: POLL

NYPD told Fox News Digital that police received a report at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday from a caller saying they received four voicemails from an unknown individual on various dates, making threatening anti-Muslim statements. Police did not say whether the person reporting the threats was Mamdani.

Still, the department said there have been no arrests made in the matter and the investigation remains ongoing.

Despite differing political views, Cuomo condemned the threats made against his political opponent.

SANDERS ENDORSES SOCIALIST MAMDANI IN MOVE TO BLOCK CUOMO IN NYC MAYORAL RACE

“This is an atrocious threat of political violence against Mr. Mamdani. It is unacceptable —I strongly condemn these threats and any others like them,” Cuomo said on X. “This has no place in our politics or our society. Thankfully, no one was harmed. This is a pivotal time in this country, and we need to tone down the rhetoric and focus on the people’s agenda.”

Another Democratic mayoral candidate, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, also condemned the threats against Mamdani.

“The hideous threats of Islamophobic violence against [Zohran Mamdani] are dangerous and morally reprehensible,” Lander said. “I condemn this behavior to the fullest extent. Hate has no place in New York City.”

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Lander was arrested earlier this week by the Department of Homeland Security after allegedly assaulting a federal officer.

Fox News’ David Hammelburg and Deirdre Heavey contributed to this report.

The New York City mayoral race is heating up in the June 2025 primary election. The Democratic candidates faced off in their final debate last week, and early voting is now underway.

Eleven Democratic candidates are running to replace incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a crowded primary. Adams is running for reelection as an independent, so he bypasses the primary and will face the winner of the Democratic field, along with Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and fellow independent candidate Jim Walden, in the November general election.

If former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo loses the Democratic primary, he will still appear on the November ballot as an independent. If state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani loses, he will likely still appear for the Working Families Party.

Early voting for the primary lasts for nine days ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, June 24.

Get to know the Democratic candidates and where they stand on the issues with these in-depth interviews from CBS News New York’s Political Reporter Marcia Kramer on “The Point.”

NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams

New York City mayoral candidate Adrienne Adams appears on “The Point” with Marcia Kramer. CBS News New York

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams hopes to break the glass ceiling and become the first woman to live in Gracie Mansion — and the first woman of color.

In our April interview, Adams spoke about suing to keep ICE off Rikers Island and the deadline to close the jail complex, her plan to provide guaranteed income for homeless families, threats of federal tariffs and funding cuts, Mayor Eric Adams’ (no relation) decision to run as an independent and his relationship with the White House, navigating the city’s budget negotiations, how to handle quality of life concerns, and NYPD staffing and overtime strains.

Her message to New Yorkers: “I am the leader that will do that work — the leader that’s already been doing that work. And all I have to say, wife, mother, grandmother, give it to the woman, and we’re going to get things done, just move me over into that side of City Hall.”

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from her campaign.

Former state Assemblyman Michael Blake

New York City mayoral candidate Michael Blake appears on “The Point” with Marcia Kramer. CBS News New York

Michael Blake worked for former President Barack Obama and represented the Bronx in the New York State Assembly. Now, he wants to be mayor.

“I’m the only person who has federal, state and local experience,” he said in our February interview. “When you think about who has to be a mayor, a mayor is a manager. We’re talking about a $100 billion dollar enterprise of a city where we can transform what’s possible.”

He went on to speak about Mayor Adams’ relationship with President Trump, which he called “unacceptable,” and how to make the city more affordable under his plan for “guaranteed income” and “local median income,” along with affordable housing, universal child care, and bringing back businesses to drive commercial revenue. He also shared his thoughts on some cost-saving policies from other candidates, and the impact of Canadian tariffs on local utilities.

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Democratic mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo speaks during in the New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary Debate at NBC Studios on June 4, 2025 in New York City. Yuki Iwamura / Getty Images

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo made a big splash when he entered the race in March and has been polling as the frontrunner ever since.

“I know what needs to be done and I know how to do it. Experience matters. Leading New York City in the midst of a crisis is not the time or the place for on-the-job training,” he said in his campaign announcement.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has largely stayed out of mayoral politics since leaving office, came forward to endorse Cuomo, pointing to his experience and leadership as governor.

“In sizing up the field in the race for mayor, there is one candidate whose management experience and government know-how stand above the others: Andrew Cuomo,” Bloomberg said in a statement.

Cuomo announced would run on both the Democratic and independent tickets, so he can be on the ballot in November whether he wins the primary or not. He was a favorite punching bag in the first debate, as the other candidates repeatedly brought up his sexual harassment scandal.

Cuomo was forced to resign as governor in 2021 after the state attorney general’s office found he sexually harassed nearly a dozen women and created a hostile work environment. He denied the allegations but ultimately stepped down in the face of an impeachment investigation.

His administration was also accused of lying about the number of nursing home residents who died during the COVID pandemic, and he is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice.

Cuomo did not appear for an interview on “The Point.” CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander

New York City mayoral candidate Brad Lander appears on “The Point” with Marcia Kramer. CBS News New York

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander thinks it’s time for new leadership at City Hall.

A panel of New York Times opinion experts has ranked him the best overall choice for the job. Lander and Mamdani also cross-endorsed one another in the race, in part to unite against Cuomo.

Lander was later arrested by ICE agents while observing immigration court in Lower Manhattan, where many of his fellow candidates were quick to come to his defense.

In our February interview, he addressed Mr. Trump’s threats to kill congestion pricing, Mayor Adams’ since-dropped corruption case, Cuomo’s decision to join the race, and his plan for ethics reform at City Hall.

Lander went on to speak about the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and the economic impact, how to address homelessness and mental illness with supportive housing, a plan to use the city pension fund to help municipal employees buy homes, and how to increase voter participation and spread his message.

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.

State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appears on “The Point” with Marcia Kramer. CBS News New York

State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani represents part of Queens and recently earned the endorsements of Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the race. The democratic socialist has built a campaign based on lowering the cost of living, including a rent freeze on stabilized units.

A new Marist poll of Democratic candidates placed him second with 27% behind Cuomo at 38%, and he previously told Kramer he believes a significant get-out-the-vote effort could be consequential. If there’s a candidate who appears most likely to potentially defeat Cuomo in the primary, Mamdani may be it.

In addition to cross-endorsing Lander, the assemblyman has also cross-endorsed Blake.

In our March interview, Kramer asked him about Mayor Adams’ corruption scandal and turnover in his administration, what he thinks about Cuomo and Speaker Adams joining the race, and how he would fund his plans for free buses and universal free child care. He also spoke about fighting federal funding cuts, his push to get younger voters to the polls, raising the corporate tax rate, bipartisan politics and what brings him hope.

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie

New York City mayoral candidate Zellnor Myrie appears on “The Point” with Marcia Kramer. CBS News New York

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie took over Eric Adams’ state Senate seat in 2019, and now he wants to do it again.

“I’m a New Yorker through and through,” he said in our January interview.

Myrie, who represents part of Brooklyn, said he would focus on making the city safer and more affordable, including a lofty plan to build a million apartments and a law enforcement strategy that includes more police officers. He went on to discuss how to address mental illness on the streets and subways, Mayor Adams’ progress on public safety and the mayor’s relationship with Mr. Trump, saying the city needs fresh leadership with “integrity” and is “serious about the job.”

He also spoke about how to address the MTA’s budget gap in Albany, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s inflation refund checks, threats to the state’s sanctuary laws, and the deadline to close Rikers Island.

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.

State Sen. Jessica Ramos

New York City mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos appears on “The Point” with Marcia Kramer. CBS News New York

State Sen. Jessica Ramos also thinks the clock has run out on Mayor Adams’ administration. While she is still in the race, she made a stunning announcement to endorse Cuomo, telling her supporters to rank him No. 1 on the ballot due to her low polling numbers and inability to raise money. It was a surprising turnaround for someone who was once one of Cuomo’s harshest critics.

She said she now believes Cuomo is the best person to take on Mr. Trump.

“We need serious governing. We need delivery over dogma. Knowing how to govern matters, and that’s why I’m endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor today,” Ramos said. “This wasn’t an easy decision.”

In our January interview, Ramos said her record is what sets her apart, pointing to legislation to raise the minimum wage and expand child care affordability. She answered questions about housing and “City of Yes,” her plan for property tax reform, addressing safety and mental illness on the subway. She went on to speak about taxing billionaires, as well as helping small businesses, funding the MTA’s capital plan in the state budget, and some more personal questions, like why she doesn’t have a drivers license.

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from her campaign.

Former NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer

New York City mayoral candidate Scott Stringer appears on “The Point” with Marcia Kramer. CBS News New York

Former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer ran for mayor once before, now he thinks the second time is the charm.

In our interview from last December, he said he would lead with “competence,” referencing former Mayor Ed Koch’s 1997 campaign slogan.

Stringer answered questions about Mr. Trump’s mass deportation threats, his plan to align policing and mental health services, building affordable housing and supporting congestion pricing. He said he would be “the streets mayor” and look to expand the bus network and fair fares program.

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.

Businessman Whitney Tilson

New York City mayoral candidate Whitney Tilson appears on “The Point” with Marcia Kramer. CBS News New York

Whitney Tilson spent his childhood in Tanzania and Nicaragua, climbs mountains for sport and participated in the Stanford marshmallow challenge — making him a mayoral candidate like no other.

In our January interview, the former hedge fund manager spoke about his “disappointment” in Mayor Adams, taking a hyper localized approach to public safety, growing the city’s economy by making it more business friendly (calling the loss of the potential Amazon headquarters in Long Island City, Queens “crazy”), and how to address the cost of living and housing affordability.

He also shared his thoughts on improving schools and called for lifting the cap on charter schools. He went on to speak about spending on asylum seekers, and said he supports deporting serious criminals under the current sanctuary laws.

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.

Additional Democratic candidates Dr. Selma Bartholomew and Paperboy Love Prince did not appear on “The Point.”

Other citywide elections on the primary ballot

In order to vote in the primary, you must be registered as either a Democrat or Republican.

The Democratic ballot includes citywide elections for public advocate and comptroller. Some districts will also vote for borough president, City Council, district attorney, supreme court and civil judges.

Incumbent Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is running for reelection against Democratic challengers Marty Dolan and Jenifer Rajkumar.

The Democratic primary for comptroller features Justin Brannan, Mark Levine, Kevin Parker and Ismael Perez. The Republican primary features Peter Kefalas and Danniel Maio.

Reminder, the primaries will once again use ranked choice voting. CLICK HERE for a refresher on how it works.

CLICK HERE to look up a sample ballot for your party and district.

contributed to this report.

FBI Director Kash Patel said this week the bureau had shared “alarming” — but unsubstantiated — allegations about manipulation of the 2020 election with a Republican member of Congress.

“The FBI has located documents which detail alarming allegations related to the 2020 U.S. election, including allegations of interference by the CCP,” Patel wrote, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. “I have immediately declassified the material and turned the documents over to the Chairman Grassley for further review.”

Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The unsubstantiated claim promoted by Patel, which an unidentified confidential human source gave to the FBI in 2020, during Trump’s first term, asserts that the Chinese mass-produced driver’s licenses to be used in a mail-in ballot scheme. Patel linked to an article written by John Solomon, whom Trump appointed alongside Patel in 2022 to represent him before the National Archives and Records Administration on matters related to his presidential records.

Read the full story here.

The heated New York City Democratic mayoral primary race has entered its final week with bombast, attack ads, and a surprise takedown of one candidate by the New York Times Editorial Board.

The board decided not to endorse anyone in the primary this year, but a blistering non-endorsement is threatening to reverberate though the final days of the campaign because it impacts the two frontrunners in the race.

Editorial Board comes down hard on Zohran Mamdani

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a massive get-out-the-vote rally with union members on Monday, while Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and former state lawmaker Michael Blake cross-endorsed each other as part of a strategy to use ranked choice voting to hurt Cuomo.

But the development that pulsated through the Democratic mayoral primary was the decision by the Times Editorial Board to urge voters not to vote for Mamdani.

“We do not believe that Mr. Mamdani deserves a spot on New Yorkers’ ballots. His experience is too thin and his agenda reads like a turbocharged version of Mr. de Blasio’s dismaying mayoralty,” the board said, referring to former Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Mamdani downplayed it.

“These are the opinions of about a dozen New Yorkers, and a democracy will be decided by close to a million New Yorkers. They certainly have the right to their opinions, and New Yorkers have the right to their votes,” Mamdani said.

Read more: NYC Democratic mayoral candidates jump on debate opportunity to question Andrew Cuomo

Cuomo was only too happy to agree with the Times.

“So experience, confidence, knowing how to do the job, knowing how to deal with Trump, knowing how to deal with Washington, knowing how to deal with the state Legislature, these are basics, and I believe in on-the-job training, but not as mayor of New York,” Cuomo said. “And then you wonder why the city’s not run well because we haven’t had a qualified, competent mayor who knew how to manage the city.”

The Times Editorial Board raised objections to the former governor’s ethics and conduct, but added, “He would be better for New York’s future than Mr. Mamdani.”

NYC Democratic mayoral primary ad wars ramp up

The primary will be held a week from Tuesday, and early voting has already started, but the ad barrage from all the camps is just getting started, with the top two contenders taking to the airwaves to troll for votes.

In one ad, Mamdani is seen on video saying “I was quite open to what would be considered being a ‘radical’ from a very young age.”

“What will that mean for us? Mamdani wants to move the homeless into our subway stations,” the ad by Fix the City, a Cuomo superPAC, goes on to say.

“Trump’s billionaire donors support Andrew Cuomo, so it’s no surprise they’re lying about me … I’ll partner with police to deliver real public safety,” a Mamdani ad says.

City Comptroller Brad Lander was endorsed by Peter and Daniel Arbeeny, whose father died of COVID-19 in a nursing home.

“He has gaslighted our family. He has never apologized, and he continues to lie,” Peter Arbeeny said of Cuomo.

“I mean, it is stunning how little responsibility for Andrew Cuomo’s actions he has ever taken,” Lander said.