Socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was publicly confronted and chased from Manhattan’s Foley Square by angry protesters demanding he denounce antisemitism and terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.
Radical Candidate Faces Public Backlash
Zohran Mamdani’s appearance at Foley Square on October 10, 2025, quickly devolved into chaos when protesters confronted the socialist Democrat over his extreme anti-Israel positions. Video footage shows Mamdani being escorted by security through a crowd of demonstrators, some beating drums and shouting accusations. The incident occurred as Mamdani attempted to show support for indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James, but instead became a flashpoint for his controversial rhetoric on Israel and Gaza.
The confrontation represents a significant escalation in public opposition to Mamdani’s candidacy, with ordinary citizens taking direct action to challenge his extreme positions. Security personnel were forced to intervene when tensions between protesters and Mamdani’s staff reached a physical altercation, ultimately requiring the candidate’s hasty retreat to his vehicle. This public humiliation demonstrates growing grassroots resistance to radical progressive candidates who refuse to condemn antisemitism and terrorist organizations.
Pattern of Extremist Rhetoric
Mamdani’s troubles stem from his consistent refusal to denounce dangerous anti-Israel slogans like “Globalize the Intifada” and his unwillingness to condemn terrorist groups such as Hezbollah. During a June 2025 appearance on “Meet the Press,” the socialist candidate doubled down on his extremist positions, declining to fully denounce violent rhetoric that incites hatred against Jewish Americans. His recent statements marking the October 7 anniversary accused Israel of conducting a “genocidal war” in Gaza, echoing Hamas propaganda talking points.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has publicly criticized Mamdani for spreading Hamas propaganda, while bipartisan members of Congress have called for passage of the Antisemitism Awareness Act in response to his dangerous rhetoric. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Congressmen Josh Gottheimer and Mike Lawler have specifically condemned Mamdani’s efforts to redefine antisemitism, warning that his positions normalize hatred against Jewish communities. This broad coalition of opposition demonstrates how Mamdani’s extremism transcends typical partisan divisions.
Threat to Constitutional Values
Mamdani’s socialist agenda and support for anti-American ideologies represent a clear threat to constitutional principles and traditional American values. His backing of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel aligns with foreign interests seeking to undermine America’s democratic allies in the Middle East. The candidate’s refusal to condemn Sharia law, as demanded by protesters, raises serious questions about his commitment to American legal traditions and women’s rights.
At Foley Square, counter-protesters chased Zohran Mamdani, shouting "antisemite" and demanding he denounce Hezbollah and Sharia. His security intervened. Politics is turning ugly in NYC. pic.twitter.com/ruGMGppub5
— The US Ledger (@The_US_Ledger) October 11, 2025
The Foley Square incident highlights how radical progressive candidates like Mamdani face increasing public scrutiny as Americans recognize the dangers of their extremist ideologies. Jewish community leaders have expressed alarm at his rhetoric’s potential to normalize antisemitism in mainstream politics, while political analysts note the challenge facing progressive candidates who prioritize anti-Israel activism over American interests. This grassroots pushback represents a healthy democratic response to candidates who promote dangerous and divisive rhetoric that threatens social cohesion.
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‘Antisemite’: Zohran Mamdani chased by protesters in NYC over remarks on Israel-Gaza conflict. Watch