Cuomo Faces Backlash for Suggesting Mamdani Would Cheer Terror Attack Ahead NYC Mayoral Election

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faced widespread condemnation after laughing and seemingly agreeing with conservative radio host Sid Rosenberg's assertion that Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani would cheer if another 9/11-style terror attack occurred under his leadership. During a radio interview, Cuomo questioned Mamdani's ability to handle crises, invoking scenarios like prison uprisings and mass shootings, and asked, "God forbid another 9/11, can you imagine Mamdani in the seat?" to which Rosenberg responded, "He'd be cheering," prompting Cuomo's chuckle. Mamdani, who would be New York City's first Muslim mayor if elected, denounced the remarks as "disgusting" and racist, highlighting how they unfairly malign the Muslim community of over one million residents in the city. Prominent political figures, including Representatives Ritchie Torres and Ilhan Omar, also condemned the comments as hateful and disgraceful, underscoring that such bigotry exists within the Democratic Party as well. Cuomo's campaign later clarified that the former governor was referencing Mamdani's association with controversial streamer Hasan Piker, but the controversy has intensified in the final stretch of the mayoral race, where Mamdani holds a double-digit lead.