Stefanik Calls NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani a ‘Jihadist’ Over Hamas Stance

NEW YORK (VINnews) — U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., accused Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani of being a “jihadist” and a “raging antisemite,” citing his alleged support for Hamas in the wake of the group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed civilians, including New Yorkers.

“I call Zohran Mamdani a jihadist because he is,” Stefanik said in a statement. “Zohran Mamdani is a raging antisemite. Mamdani is the definition of a jihadist as he supports Hamas terrorists which he did as recently as yesterday when he refused to call for Hamas terrorists to put down their arms — the same Hamas terrorist group that slaughtered civilians including New Yorkers on October 7, 2023.”

Stefanik’s remarks escalated criticism of Mamdani, a New York state assemblymember running as a Democratic Socialist, amid scrutiny of his views on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani’s campaign for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

During a recent exchange, Mamdani was pressed on whether he believed Hamas should lay down its arms and relinquish leadership in Gaza.

“But you won’t say that Hamas should lay down their arms and give up leadership in Gaza?” an interviewer asked.

“I don’t really have opinions about the future of Hamas and Israel beyond the question of justice and safety, and the fact that anything has to abide by international law,” Mamdani replied.

However, in a mayoral debate Thursday, Mamdani clarified his position when questioned further about Hamas.

“Of course I believe that they should lay down their arms,” he said.

Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen, D-N.Y., also condemned Mamdani, referring to him as “Pro-Hamas Zohran” and asserting that he “is unfit to hold any office in the United States.”