Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Delayed Response to Queens Pro-Hamas Rally

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani drew Democratic backlash for a slow, muted response to a pro-Hamas protest near a Queens synagogue, prompting condemnation from leaders like Brad Lander, Kathy Hochul, and Letitia James. Mamdani’s later statements called the rhetoric wrong and pledged to protect worshippers and protest rights, but critics argued the condemnation came too late and that some within his base criticized him for not taking a stronger stance sooner.