A photo of New York mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani visiting Masjid At-Taqwa has sparked controversy after he was seen smiling and standing hand-in-hand with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing. Mamdani, 34, described Wahhaj as one of the nation’s “foremost Muslim leaders” and a “pillar” of the Brooklyn Muslim community, prompting backlash from Republicans, former President Donald Trump, and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Trump condemned Mamdani for associating with Wahhaj, highlighting his alleged ties to the World Trade Centre bombing. US Vice President JD Vance and New York Republican representative Elise Stefanik also criticized Mamdani, calling him a “jihadist” and accusing him of campaigning with a terrorist associate. Elon Musk reacted with a simple “wow” on social media. Mamdani has maintained silence on the criticism, alleging he is being targeted due to his faith.
Siraj Wahhaj, 75, has never been charged in the 1993 bombing but has been linked by federal investigators to individuals involved in the attack. He has defended those behind the plot and criticized the FBI and CIA. Wahhaj is known for his extremist views, including anti-LBGTQ statements, advocacy of polygamy, and calls for stoning adulterers. He has also testified in favor of Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, convicted mastermind of the bombing plot, and previously suggested American Muslims could elect their “own emir” instead of mainstream political leaders.
