(New York, New York) – In response to Senator Kristen Gillibrand’s islamophobic attack on Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani during her appearance yesterday on Brian Lehrer’s radio show, Carolyn Martinez-Class and Rebecca Garrard, Co-Executive Directors of Citizen Action of New York, issued the following statement:
“We strongly condemn Senator Gillibrand’s shameful and racist remarks. Her rhetoric fuels a dangerous, Islamophobic smear campaign against Mamdani — a campaign that has led to death threats and calls for his deportation. This is not just irresponsible, it is reprehensible.
“We demand that Senator Gillibrand immediately retract her comments, issue a public apology, and formally endorse Assemblymember Mamdani as the Democratic nominee.
“Zohran Mamdani has a proven track record of fighting for the dignity, safety, and well-being of all New Yorkers and we are proud to stand with him and organize alongside him for a more just and inclusive city.”