NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemns Nicolas Maduro's capture, calls US strike an 'act of war'
WASHINGTON, DC: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Saturday, January 3, sharply criticized the US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, calling it an “act of war” and a violation of both international and federal law.
Maduro and his wife were seized overnight in Caracas and are being transported to the United States. The Venezuelan leader is expected to be held in federal custody in New York City, where he will face a federal indictment.
Zohran Mamdani condemns US strike as violation of law
Mamdani, just three days into his term, said that he was briefed on the military operation and on plans for Maduro’s imprisonment in New York.
“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” Mamdani said in a statement.
“This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad, it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home,” he added.
He said that his administration’s priority would be public safety.
“My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance,” Mamdani stated.
New York City is home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the United States, a population that has surged over the past three years as hundreds of thousands fled economic collapse and political repression.
US working with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said the United States is now engaging with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez following Maduro’s capture.
Asked whether he was willing to work with Rodríguez, Trump said that she had been sworn in as vice president but noted that she was “picked by Maduro.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump said, had already spoken with Rodríguez. “She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” the president said.
Trump later added that Rodríguez had little leverage. “She said, ‘We’ll do whatever you need,’” he said. “I think she was quite gracious, but she really doesn’t have a choice.”
Maria Corina Machado lacks support to lead Venezuela
Trump also downplayed the prospects of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, saying she lacked the backing needed to govern the country.
Pressed on whether he had been in contact with Machado since Maduro’s capture, Trump said that he had not. “I think it’d be very tough for her to be the leader,” he claimed.
“She doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country. She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect to be leader,” he added.
