UPDATE: Democratic New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani stepped into controversy on October 18, 2025, by appearing alongside Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a cleric linked to notorious terror plots, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. This alarming alliance raises critical questions about Mamdani’s campaign and its implications for national security.
Mamdani, who currently commands 52% support in the mayoral race, was seen arm-in-arm with Wahhaj at the Masjid At-Taqwa mosque in Brooklyn, where he referred to the imam as a “pillar” of the community. Wahhaj has a troubling history, having been named by prosecutors as a potential co-conspirator in the attacks that resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries to over 1,000 others.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani stated, “Today at Masjid At-Taqwa, I had the pleasure of meeting with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders and a pillar of the Bed-Stuy community for nearly half a century.” This statement is particularly significant given Wahhaj’s previous calls for an Islamic state in America and his connections to other individuals involved in terrorism.
Wahhaj’s controversial reputation is compounded by the recent sentencing of three of his children to life in prison on charges including terrorism and conspiracy to murder, linked to their involvement in a jihadist training compound in New Mexico. The compound was reportedly used to plot attacks against the U.S. government. Wahhaj claimed he assisted authorities in locating the compound, but this has done little to mitigate concerns surrounding his influence.
The imam previously testified in support of Omar Abdel-Rahman, a cleric who orchestrated plans that included mass violence against Americans. Wahhaj has referred to Abdel-Rahman as a “respected scholar,” a term that raises eyebrows given Abdel-Rahman’s violent legacy, including founding a group later designated as a terrorist organization by the State Department.
This latest development comes at a critical time for Mamdani, who is leading the mayoral race against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, polling at 28%, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, at 14%. Mamdani’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment following this controversial appearance.
Wahhaj has also publicly endorsed Mamdani, calling him a “very good candidate” in an Instagram video released earlier this year. Furthermore, Wahhaj contributed $1,000 to a super PAC that has funneled significant resources into Mamdani’s campaign.
The implications of Mamdani’s association with Wahhaj extend beyond the mayoral race, raising concerns about the potential normalization of extremist views within mainstream politics. As Mamdani continues his campaign, voters will be closely watching how this alliance impacts his support and the broader implications for community relations in New York City.
As this story develops, the urgency is palpable. Mamdani’s campaign strategy, community engagement, and the reactions from both supporters and critics will be pivotal in shaping the future of his political aspirations. The intersection of politics and community leadership will undoubtedly be a focal point in the days to come, as New Yorkers grapple with the implications of this controversial partnership.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
