10 Islamophobic memes that show Internet’s meltdown over Zohran Mamdani’s stunning NYC mayoral upset

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: On Tuesday night, June 24, New York Democrats delivered a curveball no one saw coming — electing Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Muslim socialist state assemblyman, as their presumptive nominee for New York mayor.

Mamdani made history with the win, becoming the first Muslim Democrat to be nominated for mayor of New York in US history.

Considered an underdog from the start, Mamdani pulled off a major upset in a crowded primary. His main opponent was former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a seasoned political heavyweight attempting a comeback.

Cuomo was forced to resign in 2021 over allegations of sexual harassment and mismanagement during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite leading in the polls ahead of the vote, he was overtaken by Mamdani, who surged ahead by nearly 10 points.

Zohran Mamdani's mayoral run met with Islamophobic smears

Within hours, a tidal wave of Islamophobia hit social media.

Leading the charge was far-right conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed “proud Islamophobe" Laura Loomer. “@ZohranKMamdani hasn’t even been a US citizen for 10 years,” she wrote. “He is literally supported by terrorists. NYC is about to see 9/11 2.0.” She added, “There will be another 9/11 in NYC and @ZohranKMamdani will be to blame.”

Charlie Kirk, pro-Trump podcaster and founder of Turning Point USA, chimed in, too. “24 years ago, a group of Muslims killed 2,753 people on 9/11. Now a Muslim Socialist is on pace to run New York City," he lamented.

President Donald Trump also weighed in, slamming Mamdani as a “100% Communist Lunatic.” He added, “It’s finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani: is on his way to becoming Mayor. We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous.”

10 Islamophobic memes that exploded after Zohran Mamdani entered NYC mayoral race

Social media was flooded with Islamophobic memes, doctored images, and bizarre comparisons.

Muslim prayer in Norway

A user posted a video of a mass Muslim prayer event in Norway with the caption, "NYC after Mamdani becomes mayor."

9/11 meets Vatican smoke

Someone edited the tragic smoke plume from the Twin Towers on 9/11 and compared it to papal white smoke. “White Smoke. We have a new mayor," they quipped.

Statue of Liberty in a burka

GOP Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene went visual with an image showing Lady Liberty in a burka. “This hits hard," she commented.

Tommy Robinson’s screed

The far-right UK activist ranted, "Islamist NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani screaming abuse at Trump's border czar Tom Homan. This little cretin has only been a US citizen for 7 years... He’ll do what Sadiq Khan has done to London, destroy it. You've been warned."

Islamic celebrations in London

A video of Muslim crowds in London was shared with the warning, “This is London after almost 10 years of having a Muslim mayor. New York could soon become like this.”

Crowds in NYC streets

A similar clip showed Muslims filling NYC streets for prayer.

Melting skyline meme

One graphic depicted New York’s skyline melting. “A jihadi has won a primary in the city that has the largest population of Jews outside Israel," the caption read.

Before & after park clip

A walk-through of a NYC park packed with Muslims was captioned, “This is NYC ‘before’ Zohran for mayor! His policy will attract many more of them. It will become a hotbed for Islamic extremism. Wouldn't they make it their HQ?”

Radical headband AI edit

An image showed Mamdani in a militant-style Islamic headband. “They don’t want solutions they just want power and revolution. Zohran Mamdani is Radical DSA Hamarxist. His Dad is professor Hate in Columbia Jihad University," the user posted.

Regime change meme

Someone posted an RFK Jr meme calling for “regime change” and wrote, “When you hear that Jihadi Mamdani might be Mayor of NYC."

Why the far right is triggered after Zohran Mamdani's primary win?

It’s worth noting that Mamdani’s Muslim identity and immigrant background have become red meat for right-wing culture warriors.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York at the age of seven. He has openly called himself “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare” and described Trump-era ICE raids as “fascist.”

He has also been unapologetically pro-Palestinian. After using the phrase “globalize the Intifada” in support of Palestinian rights, critics quickly accused him of antisemitism. Mamdani firmly rejected those claims and insisted he would continue standing up for Jewish New Yorkers.

The Islamophobic attacks on Mamdani may be part of a deliberate campaign. According to The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman, Trump allies “are already gearing up to turn Mamdani into a national figure to attack and tether to other Democrats ahead of the midterms.”

That said, the New York City mayoral election is scheduled for November 4.

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