New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, a far-left socialist Democrat, faced a hostile reception Thursday during a visit to Staten Island, where locals branded him a “Jew hater” and “communist,” according to video posted on X..
Protesters Confront Mamdani Inside Restaurant
The incident occurred as Mamdani was leaving the Istanbul Bay Authentic Mediterranean Restaurant. One man shouted: “There’s the communist. You are not welcome, you Jew-hating piece of s**.”*
Another protester berated him with profanity, yelling: “Let me tell you something, fbag, you are not welcome on this fing island. You hate this fing country, you hate this fing island.”
Video of the confrontation quickly circulated on X, sparking national attention.
Watch Muslim Socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani get BOOED out of a restaurant in Staten Island
“There’s the communist… You are not welcome… you Jew-hating piece of sh*t… you hate this country.”pic.twitter.com/3zfeWojySq
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 14, 2025
Trump Supporter Joins In
The New York Post reported that a woman wearing a Trump t-shirt also shouted at Mamdani as he departed the restaurant: “Go back to where you came from. We don’t want you on Staten Island.”
Staten Island is considered the most Republican-friendly borough in New York City and has long been a political stronghold for conservatives.
Radical Left Platform
Mamdani currently holds a double-digit lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, with current Mayor Eric Adams polling in single digits.
His platform includes sweeping socialist proposals such as strict rent control and a city-run grocery store system. “Zohran will create a network of city-owned grocery stores focused on keeping prices low, not making a profit,” his campaign website reads.
Mamdani has also called for defunding the NYPD — a position that has fueled national controversy. Despite the backlash, he has received endorsements from progressive leaders including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
Staten Island Pushback
The fiery confrontation underscores the cultural and political divide between Staten Island and the rest of New York City. While progressive Democrats like Mamdani push left-wing policies, Staten Island residents have consistently backed law enforcement and conservative candidates.
