NEW YORK - The New York Police Department's Hate Crimes Task Force has launched an investigation into a series of anti-Muslim threats directed at Zohran Mamdani, a prominent candidate in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary [1][2][3].

Mamdani's campaign reported receiving multiple threatening voicemails at his Queens office, including one on June 19, 2025, that contained a car bomb threat [4][6]. The caller, described as an unidentified man, used anti-Muslim slurs and warned Mamdani to "Go start your car and see what happens" [6].

An NYPD spokesperson confirmed the investigation, stating, "There are no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing by the Hate Crime Task Force" [8]. The department is probing "anti-Muslim statements" made by the unknown individual [4].

Mamdani, a Muslim U.S. citizen born in Uganda and currently serving as a New York State Assemblyman, has emerged as a leading progressive candidate in the mayoral race [3][7]. His campaign has taken precautionary measures, including hiring security, in response to the threats [8].

In a statement, Mamdani's campaign said, "While this is a sad reality, it is not surprising after millions of dollars have been spent on dehumanizing, Islamophobic rhetoric designed to stoke fear and suspicion of our campaign" [7].

The incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing hate crimes targeting various ethnic and religious groups across the United States. In a separate incident, U.S. Representative Max Miller of Ohio, who is Jewish, reported being "run off the road" by a driver displaying a Palestinian flag [10][11].

These events have raised concerns about the rise in hate against Americans of Muslim, Arab, Jewish, Israeli, and Palestinian heritage since the start of Israel's war in Gaza in late 2023 [10][12].

As the New York City mayoral primary approaches its final days, the threats against Mamdani have highlighted the challenges faced by candidates from minority backgrounds and the broader issues of political discourse and public safety in an increasingly diverse city [1][5].

The NYPD urges anyone with information about the threats to contact the Hate Crimes Task Force. Meanwhile, city officials have called for unity and respect as the election process continues [7].