A recently surfaced photograph has ignited debate across New York City’s political scene, showing mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani standing alongside Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a Brooklyn religious leader once linked to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing investigation.
The image, shared by Mamdani on his X (formerly Twitter) account following a visit to a Bedford-Stuyvesant mosque, quickly went viral — drawing both criticism and defense from different corners of the city’s political and religious communities.
The Photograph That Sparked a Firestorm
In the now widely circulated post, Mamdani — a state assemblyman representing Astoria, Queens — is seen smiling beside Imam Wahhaj inside the Masjid At-Taqwa mosque. Also present in the photo is Councilman Yusef Salaam, a member of the “Exonerated Five,” the group of men wrongfully convicted in the infamous Central Park Jogger case of 1989.
“Today at Masjid At-Taqwa, I had the pleasure of meeting with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders and a pillar of the Bed-Stuy community for nearly half a century,” Mamdani wrote in the caption. “I was also joined by CM @dr_yusefsalaam of Harlem. A beautiful Jummah.”
The post appeared to be an attempt to highlight inter-community engagement during the city’s election season. Instead, it opened the door to controversy surrounding Wahhaj’s complicated public record.
Who Is Imam Siraj Wahhaj?
Imam Siraj Wahhaj, 75, is one of the most prominent Islamic leaders in the United States and the longtime imam of Masjid At-Taqwa in Brooklyn. Over several decades, he has been both a respected community organizer and a figure of contention for his past associations and remarks.
In the early 1990s, federal prosecutors named Wahhaj as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the investigation of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, which killed six people and injured over a thousand. Wahhaj was never charged with a crime, and he has consistently denied any involvement in terrorism or violence.
However, his name resurfaced in connection with the case after he testified on behalf of Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, the Egyptian cleric known as the “Blind Sheikh,” who was convicted of plotting to attack New York landmarks. Wahhaj described Rahman during his testimony as a “respected scholar,” though he later clarified that he did not endorse any acts of violence.
Over the years, Wahhaj’s sermons have also been scrutinized by critics who accuse him of using inflammatory language. Reports from early 2000s intelligence briefings described a sermon in which he spoke of preparing Muslims for “jihad,” though Wahhaj has said the term was meant in a spiritual, not militant, sense.
Despite these controversies, Wahhaj remains deeply influential within the city’s Muslim community, known for his charity work, advocacy for prison reform, and emphasis on faith-based community development.
Mamdani’s Association Draws Mixed Reaction
The resurfaced image of Mamdani with Wahhaj has split public opinion, with some accusing the candidate of poor judgment and others defending the meeting as a gesture of inclusion.
Critics argue that as a major contender in the New York City mayoral race, Mamdani should have exercised more caution in publicly aligning himself with figures who carry a controversial past.
“This is not about religion — it’s about responsibility,” said one political analyst. “Candidates for high office must be aware of the history of the people they associate with. Symbolism matters.”
Supporters of Mamdani, however, have defended the assemblyman, saying the backlash reflects unfair double standards and Islamophobic undertones.
“Imam Wahhaj has been a leader in Bed-Stuy for nearly 50 years, helping build one of the most vibrant Muslim communities in the city,” said a community organizer who attended the same Friday prayers. “Meeting with him is not an endorsement of everything he’s ever said — it’s part of engaging with all New Yorkers.”
The Candidate’s Record and Platform
Zohran Mamdani, 33, has emerged as one of the most recognizable progressive voices in New York politics. Born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents and raised in New York, he first won election to the State Assembly in 2020.
His campaign for mayor centers on housing affordability, police reform, public transit accessibility, and climate justice — issues that have resonated strongly with younger and left-leaning voters.
Mamdani has also been active in advocating for Muslim representation in local government, often emphasizing interfaith dialogue and social equity.
However, this latest controversy threatens to overshadow those messages as opponents seize on the photo as evidence of questionable judgment.
Councilman Yusef Salaam Also Pictured
Councilman Yusef Salaam, who appeared alongside Mamdani and Wahhaj in the photo, has also faced scrutiny for his participation in the meeting.
Salaam, one of the five men wrongfully convicted in the Central Park case, has built a reputation as a criminal justice reform advocate. Since his election to the City Council in 2023, he has focused on youth programs, restorative justice, and expanding economic opportunity in underserved communities.
Neither Salaam nor Wahhaj has commented publicly on the backlash.
A Broader Debate About Faith and Politics
The incident has reignited a long-standing debate in New York City about how faith intersects with public life and politics — particularly when religious leaders have complex public histories.
Political observers say the photo is unlikely to end Mamdani’s campaign but could complicate his path forward as he attempts to appeal to a broader citywide electorate.
“New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but it’s also a city that remembers,” said Dr. Maria Levin, a political science professor at Hunter College. “Associations matter here — and for a candidate who’s trying to build a progressive coalition, controversies like this can become distractions from policy.”
The Imam Responds
While Wahhaj has not issued a new statement in response to the recent controversy, he has previously addressed similar accusations in public speeches, describing them as misinterpretations of his faith and words.
“I have never supported violence,” Wahhaj said in a 2017 sermon. “My entire life’s work has been about building community, teaching morality, and bringing people closer to peace and justice.”
He has also maintained that being named an “unindicted co-conspirator” did not mean guilt — only that prosecutors once considered him a person of interest, a status he says was politically motivated during a time of heightened anti-Muslim suspicion.
Mamdani’s Campaign Stands Firm
In a brief statement released late Friday, Mamdani’s campaign did not directly address Wahhaj’s past but reaffirmed his commitment to meeting with leaders from all backgrounds.
“Zohran believes that true leadership means showing up — in every neighborhood, with every community,” the statement read. “He will continue to engage with faith leaders across the city to build bridges and strengthen understanding.”
Campaign aides have privately suggested that the controversy is being amplified by opponents attempting to discredit a rising candidate with a growing base among younger, more diverse voters.
Looking Ahead
As the New York City mayoral race intensifies, the photo controversy highlights how quickly campaign narratives can shift — especially in a city as politically charged as New York.
For Mamdani, the challenge will be to refocus attention on his platform rather than the personalities in his photos.
“Every campaign has its rough moments,” said Dr. Levin. “What matters is how a candidate responds — whether they double down or move forward with clarity and purpose.”
Whether the issue fades or lingers, one thing is certain: Zohran Mamdani’s campaign has entered the citywide spotlight — and with it, a new level of scrutiny that comes with seeking New York’s highest office.