NYC Mayor Mamdani Defends Mahmoud Khalil: “No New Yorker Should Fear Punishment for First Amendment Rights”

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended his decision to host pro-Hamas activist Mahmoud Khalil at Gracie Mansion this week, emphasising that he was upholding free speech rights, even as pro-Israel groups criticised the invitation. “As the mayor of New York City, I believe it is my responsibility to protect the safety and rights of every New Yorker,” Mamdani stated on Thursday when asked about the gathering at the mayoral residence.