Fact Check: Did Mamdani block rebuilding of the historic NYC church after it was burned down?

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Following the burning down of the historic South Bushwick Reformed Church in New York, allegedly in an arson attack, a rumor is circulating on social media platforms claiming that the city’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani has blocked the rebuilding of the church. The claim has sparked outrage against the mayor, prompting a fact check.

Claim: Zohran Mamdani blocked the rebuilding of the historic church

After the 173-year-old church on Bushwick Avenue was burned down on June 19, a rumor began circulating in mid-July claiming that Mamdani had blocked the rebuilding of the church. 

Several posts on X, Facebook, and Instagram are sharing the claim, accusing Mamdani of preventing the restoration of a historic Christian church destroyed by arson while speculating he would support building a mosque on the site instead.

While most of the comments under the posts slammed the mayor’s religious identity, a few others questioned the rumor and called for a fact check.

Fact Check: The claim could not be independently verified

There is no evidence to suggest that Mamdani or the city’s administration has blocked the rebuilding of the church. 

Although there are reports of Mamdani ordering the demolition of the church, a Google search revealed that no credible news media outlets have reported that the Social Democrat has prevented the rebuilding of the church.

Although the church engineers said that the building required only a partial demolition, the NYC Department of Buildings pushed for a full demolition. But the reason or intent for the complete demolition is unclear.

Since there is no credible evidence proving that Mamdani blocked the rebuilding of the church and since the reason for its complete demolition is unclear and could not be independently verified, the claim is rated as unconfirmed. 

Officials probe possible arson in church blaze

According to sources, officials have not ruled out arson as the cause of the massive fire that destroyed a landmark Brooklyn church last month, and are looking into a suspicious person of interest. 

Sources said investigators are considering the possibility that someone intentionally started the fire and are examining a person seen on surveillance video leaving the historic church shortly before the fire broke out.

Investigators are also searching through the remains of the church for any signs of foul play. However, the extensive fire damage and large amount of debris have made the investigation slow and difficult.