In a shocking twist, New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani misrepresented his family connection to a victim of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, claiming a distant relative was his “aunt” when she was actually just a second cousin.
During a recent exchange with the press, Mamdani, trying to frame a narrative of discrimination, revealed that the woman in question was not his aunt, but rather his “father’s cousin.” This admission raises serious questions about his credibility and the sincerity of his claims regarding Islamophobia in New York City.
“I was speaking about my aunt, I was speaking about Zehra Fuhi — my father’s cousin, who sadly passed away a few years ago,” Mamdani explained, attempting to redirect focus away from the obvious error in his initial statement. His priorities are clear: distract from the truth by attacking other political figures.
His assertion that his so-called “aunt” was a victim of 9/11 and feared wearing a hijab on public transport is not just misleading; it’s an affront to the real victims of that day—those who lost their lives and loved ones.
Critics have eagerly pointed out the inaccuracies in Mamdani’s claims. The only woman he can call “aunt” was confirmed to be living in Tanzania during the September 11 attacks. Internet investigators quickly exposed his deception, highlighting that his narrative just doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
As public health consultant Masuma Mamdani is identified as Mamdani’s only aunt, her absence on that tragic day begs the question: Where is the true narrative, and why is he trying to sensationalize this story?
For Mamdani to claim, “I want to speak to the memory of my aunt, who stopped taking the subway after September 11th because she did not feel safe in her hijab,” is not only misleading but undermines the profound and devastating reality experienced by families directly impacted by the attacks.
He has been met with sharp criticism, including from Vice President JD Vance, who aptly pointed out the absurdity of Mamdani’s focus on “auntie who got some (allegedly) bad looks” instead of addressing the lives eternally lost that day.
Reza Chowdhury, CEO of AlleyWatch, succinctly captures the outrage, saying, “Most New Yorkers cried for the associates, friends, family, sons, daughters, parents, parents of friends, colleagues, etc. they lost forever on that dreadful day.”
And former White House spokesman Harrison Fields drives the point home further, stating, “Zohran, my mom was a detective on the NYPD’s Medical Examiner’s Office on 9/11. If you want to know the victims of 9/11, she’d be happy to fill you in.”
Mamdani’s attempts to elevate his personal grievances over a national tragedy paint him as out of touch with the real pain endured by New Yorkers and the nation as a whole. It’s crucial for voters to recognize this disingenuous behavior and demand authenticity and accountability from their leaders. Enough is enough.
