New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is coming under intense criticism after a 2020 tweet of his giving the finger to a Christopher Columbus statue in Astoria came back online. The Democratic nominee, who upset political circles last week by beating Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, is now in trouble with Italian American groups and community leaders.
In his June 2020 tweet, Zohran Mamdani directly called for the removal of the Columbus statue by labeling the image with “Take it down” during his state office bid. While the post didn’t pick up much steam then, it resurfaced during a politically charged moment as Mamdani prepares for the November mayoral election.
Columbus Statue Controversy Sparks Community Outrage
The Columbus Heritage Coalition, a powerful Italian American organization, found the tweet profoundly offensive. Angelo Vivolo, president of the coalition, denounced Mamdani’s behavior and stated that the organization would not endorse his candidacy.
Take it down. pic.twitter.com/7Bmis8hnnh
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 18, 2020
“We will protect Columbus Day and Columbus statues,” Vivolo stated. He also added, “If you insult one community, you insult all communities. I don’t think he will be mayor for all the people of New York City.”
Italian American Leaders Vow to Oppose Mamdani
The Italian American community, which makes up around 8% of NYC’s population, has been vocal about preserving statues and symbols linked to their heritage.
Joseph Scelsa, president of the Italian American Museum, also criticized Mamdani’s stance. “Who’s to say who is a hero and who is not a hero? Columbus is our hero,” he said.
Christopher Columbus statues and the celebration of Columbus Day have been politically and culturally charged issues for a long time. Some people disqualify Columbus from being celebrated because of how he treated Native Americans. There are plenty of Italian Americans, though, who consider him a symbol of their heritage and accomplishments in the United States.
Mamdani, a progressive political voice in NYC, has not comment on the scandal so far. He should expect to face intense competition in November, with Governor Andrew Cuomo potentially returning as an Independent, as well as Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who might run again.
With this controversy unfolding, Mamdani’s campaign now faces added scrutiny from voters across ethnic and political lines, especially as identity and heritage become central themes in the NYC mayoral race.
