New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani strongly condemned chants of “we support Hamas” that were reportedly heard during a protest in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Queens. Unverified videos circulating widely on social media showed demonstrators waving Palestinian flags while shouting the slogan. The New York Police Department and city officials have not independently confirmed the authenticity of the footage, but the clips sparked immediate outrage across political lines.

In a statement issued the same day, Mamdani made it clear that expressions of support for designated terrorist organisations have no place in New York City. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting the safety of residents entering and exiting houses of worship while upholding the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Federal law prohibits providing material support to Hamas, which the United States has classified as a terrorist organisation since 1997.

The incident drew sharp criticism from other prominent leaders. New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the chants as “disgusting” and “dangerous,” emphasising that Hamas calls for the genocide of Jews and that such rhetoric is unacceptable regardless of political views. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also denounced the behaviour, calling it “antisemitic” and stating that marching into a Jewish neighbourhood while leading with support for Hamas was fundamentally wrong.

Also Read: Zohran Mamdani Labels Hamas Terrorist Group After Pro-Hamas Chants in NYC Protest

Mamdani’s swift response renewed public focus on his past comments regarding Hamas. During an October interview on Fox News with Martha MacCallum, the mayor had declined to directly condemn the group and instead redirected the conversation to affordability issues affecting New Yorkers. The earlier position has been revisited in light of the current controversy, with critics questioning consistency in addressing the issue.

The Queens protest and subsequent reaction highlight the persistent tensions in New York City stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, which escalated after the October 7, 2023 attacks. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety and to prevent any escalation in a city that remains deeply divided over the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Also Read: Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Swearing-In Quran to Remain on Public Display at NYPL