New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Says He and Wife Received Death Threats Over Gaza Remarks

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said that he and his wife have received death threats because of his public criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

In an interview with the U.S. magazine Rolling Stone, Mamdani said he understood that taking a public stand on controversial issues could bring consequences.

“Preparing yourself for death threats is difficult,” Mamdani said, according to a report published by Middle East Monitor on Thursday. “But when you are willing to stand up for something on behalf of everyone, there are consequences that come with it.”

Mamdani said he had faced similar threats while serving as a member of the New York State Legislature. He said the threats began after he criticized U.S. military support for Israel and spoke out against the killing of Palestinian civilians.

According to Mamdani, the threats started even before he was elected mayor and have continued after he assumed office. He added that his wife has also faced criticism and threats because of his political positions.

In a separate interview with The New York Times, Mamdani said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should face trial in The Hague following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against him.

However, Mamdani acknowledged that New York City does not have independent legal authority to enforce an ICC arrest warrant. He said responsibility for any such action would rest with the U.S. federal government.

Mamdani’s comments come amid ongoing international debate over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the legal and political responses surrounding the conflict.