Bret Stephens attacks NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani in October 10 opinion piece
Bret Stephens released an opinion article on October 10, 2026 titled “Righteous Anger: Zohran Mamdani Moral Obscenity,” condemning New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recent remarks as morally offensive.
The column, published online, added a new voice to an ongoing public debate over the mayor’s policies and statements. Stephens’ criticism focuses on Mamdani’s recent comments on the October 7 anniversary of the Hamas attacks and his stance toward Israeli officials, which the columnist described as an “obscenity” that undermines the city’s values.
Mayor Mamdani’s remarks, detailed in a separate commentary by Michael Goodwin, included a description of the October 7 attacks as “war crimes” committed by Israel, a boycott of the city’s Salute to Israel parade, and a condemnation of U.S. support for Israel. Goodwin notes that Mamdani framed the anniversary as a day of mourning for Palestinians and accused Israel of “genocide” in Gaza, citing numbers from the Gaza health ministry.
Goodwin’s piece also highlights Mamdani’s criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The mayor publicly called ICE agents “terrorists” and claimed they “terrorize” the city, asserting that the agency’s presence is “rotten to its core.” The mayor’s comments followed an incident in the Bronx involving an illegal immigrant with a criminal record, whom Mamdani defended while demanding the removal of ICE agents from New York.
Both Stephens and Goodwin reference Mamdani’s earlier oath to serve all New Yorkers without fear or favor. Critics argue that his recent statements diverge from that pledge, suggesting that his policy positions are driven by a “radical agenda” rather than a commitment to public safety and inclusivity.
The controversy has drawn reactions from a range of public figures. New York’s U.N. ambassador, Danny Danon, compared Mamdani’s framing of the October 7 anniversary to “turning September 11 into a day of mourning for al‑Qaeda terrorists.” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Governor Kathy Hochul have also been referenced in relation to the mayor’s stance on sanctuary policies and ICE.
Stephens’ article joins a broader media conversation about the mayor’s approach to foreign policy, immigration enforcement, and the responsibilities of city leadership in a polarized national climate.
The debate is expected to continue as further statements from Mamdani and responses from local and national officials emerge.
