Fact Check: Did FBI deny Zohran Mamdani security clearance as he is a 'national security risk'?

WASHINGTON, DC: Conservative activist Laura Loomer sparked controversy after claiming that an anonymous senior FBI source told her the bureau denied New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because he posed a national security risk. The allegation raised questions about whether the FBI had taken any official action against the mayor.

Claim: Laura Loomer said Mamdani was denied FBI security clearance

Laura Loomer shared a post on X claiming that an anonymous senior FBI source told her Mamdani had been denied an FBI-approved security clearance because he allegedly posed a national security risk due to suspected communications with Islamic terrorist organizations.

In her post, Loomer wrote, "NEW: Senior @FBI source tells me, 'Senior FBI leadership has reason to believe Mamdani may be having direct communication with Islamic terrorist organizations. He is certainly a national security risk, which is why we declined giving him an FBI-approved security clearance. He won't be getting one.'"

Loomer further wrote, "Meanwhile, he's going to be Mayor of NYC on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 this year," linking the allegation to the upcoming anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The claim surfaced amid heightened political scrutiny of Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who became New York City's first Muslim mayor in January 2026.

Mamdani has long advocated for Palestinian rights and recently renewed criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he described as a war criminal. His political views have drawn criticism from some conservative figures, including Loomer.

Fact Check: False, no evidence to support the claim

The claim is false. The viral allegation relies entirely on an anonymous source and offers no supporting evidence or official confirmation.

The FBI has not announced that it denied Mamdani a security clearance because he is a "national security risk."

Mamdani has confirmed that his federal security clearance application remains under review and that he has not yet received clearance.

There is no public evidence that the FBI has rejected his application or determined that he poses a national security threat.

The issue has become a political flashpoint. Conservative lawmakers, including Rep Andy Biggs, have urged the Department of Homeland Security to deny Mamdani a security clearance, citing his political positions and public statements.

At the same time, conservative commentator Laura Loomer has claimed, without providing evidence or official FBI confirmation, that senior FBI officials believe Mamdani poses a national security risk.

Mamdani and his administration have rejected those allegations and said the clearance process is proceeding normally. They have also stated that members of the mayor's team already hold the necessary federal clearances to coordinate with government agencies and carry out official city business while his application remains pending.