Zohran Mamdani, a leading candidate in the New York City mayoral race, delivered an emotional speech outside a Bronx mosque, recalling his aunt's fear of wearing a hijab after the September 11 attacks and highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by Muslim New Yorkers. Surrounded by faith leaders, Mamdani criticized recent remarks from political opponents, including Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, and Eric Adams, accusing them of stoking Islamophobia and using divisive rhetoric in the campaign's final stretch.

Cuomo responded by dismissing Mamdani's concerns as political theatrics and denied widespread Islamophobia in the city, while also criticizing Mamdani's positions on Israel and his associations with Muslim leaders. The campaign has seen escalating tensions, with Mamdani and his supporters alleging that bigotry and racism are being weaponized against him as he stands on the verge of potentially becoming the city's first Muslim mayor.

Despite the attacks, Mamdani vowed to embrace his faith more openly and called for equal treatment for Muslim New Yorkers. He received a significant boost with an endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, further solidifying his position in the race.