New York City politics changed quickly this week. Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke strongly against Hamas. He called them a “terrorist organization.” This happened after a protest on Thursday night in Queens. At the protest, some people were filmed shouting, “Say it loud, say it clear, we support Hamas here.” This happened near a synagogue and a Jewish school. Many people were very angry. Now, the new mayor has to decide how to handle free speech and people supporting violence.
Many people and leaders wanted the Mayor to speak up. Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of NYC. He is a progressive leader. This was a big test for him. On Friday, his office said that people have a right to protest, but they cannot support groups that the U.S. government calls terrorists. He said that kind of support does not belong in the city.
Immediate Backlash and Official Response in NYC
The trouble started at a protest about Israeli real estate. But things changed when videos showed people supporting Hamas. Leaders like Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James called the words “disgusting” and “dangerous.”
People watched Mayor Mamdani closely. He had recently changed some rules to make protesting easier. But on Friday, he said the words used at the protest were wrong. He used the name Hamas and agreed with the U.S. government that they are terrorists. He wanted to show that his values also include keeping the city safe.
Clear Government Stance Against Extremism
By calling Hamas a “terrorist organization,” Mayor Mamdani agreed with the U.S. State Department. This is a big deal because the Mayor is part of the “left-wing” of his party. In the past, some people criticized him for his views on Israel. Now, he is setting a clear rule for his new government.
The Mayor said NYC will protect the right to speak and gather. However, he said the city will not support groups that cause mass violence. He wants the Jewish community in Queens and all of NYC to feel safe. He promised that places of worship will be protected even when there are global tensions.
Context and Implications for Free Speech
This event shows how hard it is to lead a city like New York during world conflicts. The neighborhood where this happened has many Orthodox Jewish residents. They felt targeted because the chants were so close to their synagogue.
Key things to know about the Mayor’s stance:
- Safety First: The police (NYPD) will make sure people can safely go in and out of religious buildings.
- Federal Alignment: NYC officially agrees with who the U.S. government calls terrorists.
- Hate Speech vs. Free Speech: The city says there is a difference between criticizing a government and supporting a terrorist group.
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FAQs: Understanding the NYC Protest Controversy
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Zohran Mamdani is the 112th Mayor of New York City. He started his job on January 1, 2026. Before this, he worked in the New York State Assembly.+1
What happened at the Queens protest?
People were protesting a real estate event. Some people there were caught on video shouting that they support Hamas. Many city leaders were very upset by this.
Is Hamas a designated terrorist organization?
Yes. Since 1997, the United States government has called Hamas a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Moving Forward: Public Safety and Community Trust
As NYC moves forward with Mayor Mamdani, the city is trying to balance freedom and safety. By calling Hamas a terrorist group, the Mayor is trying to show he can lead everyone and keep peace. Some people may still criticize him, and some of his supporters might be unhappy. But for now, City Hall is saying that extremism is not allowed in New York.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.