Mamdani Campaigns Alongside Imam Linked to Terrorism Cases

Zohran Mamdani, a leading candidate in the New York City mayoral race, made headlines on October 18, 2025, when he campaigned alongside Imam Siraj Wahhaj at the Masjid At-Taqwa mosque in Brooklyn. Wahhaj has been previously linked to key figures involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, a terrorist attack that resulted in six fatalities and left over 1,000 individuals injured.

Mamdani’s appearance with Wahhaj has raised questions due to the cleric’s controversial past. Prosecutors had identified him as being among those who “may be alleged to be co-conspirators” in the trial related to the bombing. Despite this history, Mamdani referred to Wahhaj as a “pillar” of the community, stating on social media, “Today at Masjid At-Taqwa, I had the pleasure of meeting with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders and a pillar of the Bed-Stuy community for nearly half a century.”

Wahhaj’s past includes serving as a character witness for Omar Abdel-Rahman, a cleric convicted of orchestrating terror plots against the United States. In 2024, three of Wahhaj’s children were sentenced to life in prison for charges that included terrorism and conspiracy to murder, related to their involvement in a jihadist training compound in New Mexico.

During the campaign visit, Wahhaj expressed support for Mamdani, recently calling him a “very good candidate” in an Instagram video. His endorsement comes alongside a financial contribution of $1,000 to the super PAC Unity and Justice Fund, which has primarily supported Mamdani’s mayoral bid.

As of mid-October, Mamdani leads the race with 52% support among likely voters, significantly ahead of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an Independent, who garnered 28%. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa trails with 14%, according to a survey conducted by Beacon Research/Shaw & Company Research.

Mamdani’s campaign has not issued a response regarding the implications of his association with Wahhaj, and attempts to reach Wahhaj for comment were unsuccessful. The dynamics of this political campaign continue to evolve as candidates navigate complex ties within the community.