A video from New York City Hall has sparked outrage. The footage shows a prayer during a Ramadan iftar, where a gesture known as the "ISIS salute" is visible. Mayor Zohran Mamdani was present and praying alongside attendees. This incident is just one in a series of controversies surrounding Mamdani, all centered on manifestations of terrorism and extremism.

On March 12, Mamdani hosted his first official Ramadan iftar at City Hall. After the iftar, prayer mats were laid out, and several participants prayed together, including the mayor. However, a moment captured on video has made headlines: during the prayer, a man raises his index finger.

This gesture is often used as a symbol by jihadist groups, such as the Islamic State. Critics have referred to the incident as an „ISIS salute in the middle of City Hall.” The potential ISIS salute is merely the latest in a string of extremist scandals involving Mamdani and those close to him.

Since taking office on January 1, 2026, Mamdani has faced a barrage of controversies. At the start of his tenure, he rescinded several orders from his predecessor, Eric Adams, including the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and measures against boycotting Israel.

New York City Councilor Vickie Paladino spoke about the left’s double standards: while Christian symbols are being pushed out of public spaces, Islamic rituals are now taking place at City Hall.

Something else to notice. On the left is Emir Balat giving the one finger ISIS salute after throwing a bomb at Christian’s in nyc.

On the right is Zohran Mamdani’s guest giving the one finger ISIS salute as they celebrate Ramadan at City Hall in nyc pic.twitter.com/hdxtP0evPn

— Braeden (@BraedenSorbo) March 12, 2026

Republicans in Washington have also reacted with outrage. Senator Tommy Tuberville posted a message combining Mamdani’s iftar photos with images from the September 11 attacks. Representative Brandon Gill described the photos of the praying mayor as „truly repugnant.”

Terrorist Merchandise at a Partner Organization

In late January, an event hosted by the Muslim American Society (MAS) caused further uproar. At a fundraising event, items bearing the symbols of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the PFLP were sold, including images of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

It later emerged that the organization had previously received hundreds of thousands of dollars in city funding, with several of its representatives also serving in Mamdani’s transitional team. The organization has previously attracted attention for its extremist and antisemitic slogans. In February, American media reported that antisemitic social media posts had emerged from the vicinity of the city government. These posts were later deleted.

Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, also made headlines due to her Instagram activity. Reports indicated that she liked posts depicting the October 7 Hamas massacre as „breakthroughs of the apartheid walls” and dismissed reports of mass sexual violence against Israeli women as a „mass sexual violence hoax.”

A Ramadan appearance in early March also drew criticism. Mamdani spoke at an event on Staten Island organized by activist Abdullah Akl, who has previously attracted attention with slogans like „Strike, strike Tel Aviv!” and „Intifada.”

Critics argue that radical narratives, problematic associations, and extremist symbolism repeatedly surface within Mamdani’s circle.