Zohran Mamdani, 34, is set to become New York City’s next mayor — a historic moment that has stirred both celebration and concern across the city’s diverse communities. Supporters view his victory as a generational shift in leadership; critics worry his politics may bring uncertainty to the city’s direction.
As attention around his election grew, an old tweet from 2020 resurfaced and quickly reignited debate. In the tweet, Mamdani was photographed giving a middle-finger gesture toward a Christopher Columbus statue in Astoria, accompanied by the caption: “Take it down.” At the time, he was running for state assembly and joined a larger national conversation about monuments, historical memory, and racial justice.
The resurfaced image has drawn fresh criticism, particularly from parts of the Italian-American community who view Columbus statues as cultural symbols tied to their heritage. Organizations like the Columbus Heritage Coalition expressed disappointment, saying the gesture felt dismissive rather than constructive. Several public figures echoed that sentiment, arguing the act was disrespectful.
Others, including historians and activists, contextualized the moment differently. They noted that conversations about Columbus statues have been ongoing for years, rooted in concerns about colonial violence against Indigenous peoples. For them, the resurfaced tweet represents a broader cultural debate rather than a personal attack.
The tension has also become part of the political landscape. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo criticized Mamdani sharply, suggesting he contributed to divisions among several communities. Mamdani’s supporters pushed back, arguing that raising questions about historical figures is not an act of hostility, but part of an ongoing effort to reassess public spaces with greater honesty and compassion.
Online, reactions ranged from alarm to humor to thoughtful commentary. Some users expressed fears about the city’s future; others defended Mamdani’s right to critique historical symbols. A number of comments simply acknowledged the complexity of the topic, noting that people often hold strong and sincere beliefs on both sides.
