NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Defends Al-Qaeda Cleric and Criticizes FBI Surveillance

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, has come under fire for resurfaced tweets in which he appears to defend Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S.-born cleric linked to terrorism and al-Qaeda. Mamdani suggested that America’s surveillance of al-Awlaki, who was known for propagating jihadist messages and connected to terrorist plots, might have pushed him toward terrorism rather than prevented it.

Al-Awlaki, born in New Mexico to Yemeni parents, moved to Yemen in 2004, where he became a prominent Islamic preacher and a senior figure within al-Qaeda. He was implicated in the planning of thwarted attacks, including the attempt to blow up a plane on Christmas Day 2009. U.S. President Barack Obama authorized a drone strike that killed him in 2011, citing his role in encouraging violence worldwide.

In 2015, Mamdani tweeted questions questioning the FBI’s handling of surveillance on al-Awlaki, implying that the agency’s scrutiny of his personal life may have inadvertently contributed to his radicalization. Mamdani criticized the FBI’s actions, raising concerns about the effectiveness of surveillance and whether it provided any insight into al-Awlaki’s shift towards terrorism.

This stance has outraged many, including victims’ families and security officials. Retired FDNY Lt. Jim McCaffrey called Mamdani’s comments “offensive” and “ridiculous,” emphasizing that al-Awlaki clearly had ties to al-Qaeda, and defending federal authorities’ efforts. Public figures like Peter King condemned Mamdani’s remarks, labeling them an attempt to blame the U.S. government for al-Awlaki’s actions.

Additionally, Mamdani has faced criticism over controversial social media posts, including a video mocking Hanukkah celebrations and leading chants supporting the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Critics argue that such posts reflect poorly on his judgment and could alienate voters.

Many see Mamdani’s defense of al-Awlaki’s surveillance and his provocative online activity as deeply problematic, questioning his readiness to serve as NYC’s mayor amid security concerns and the lasting impact of his rhetoric. His campaign has not responded to requests for comment on these tweets.