Politics can be a nasty game. This radical Leftist learned that the hard way.
And a socialist candidate fell flat on his face after being attacked by protestors.
Mamdani Faces Backlash on Anti-Trump Tour
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic socialist vying for New York City’s mayoral seat, walked into a storm of hostility on Wednesday as his weeklong, citywide campaign against President Trump hit Staten Island. The air inside Istanbul Bay Authentic Mediterranean Restaurant in Stapleton Heights crackled with tension as a crowd of protesters unleashed a barrage of profanities at the candidate.
LoBaido’s Provocative Protest
At the forefront was Scott LoBaido, a Staten Island artist and activist. LoBaido said he was arrested after confronting Mamdani inside the restaurant and continuing his demonstration outside with a bullhorn.
He was issued three summonses for disorderly conduct, a sound violation, and foul language. “I’ll have to plead guilty on that one,” he said about the language charge. “Foul language is my middle name.”
Wearing red, white, and blue, the protesters rallied behind GOP mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, brandishing “Curtis Sliwa for mayor” signs as they surrounded Mamdani. LoBaido shouted, “Let me tell you something f—bag, you are not welcome on this f–king island,” and taunting Mamdani as “Mamdandy.”
He added, “You hate this f—ing country, you hate this f—ing island.” The crowd amplified the sentiment, chanting “F you” and “Go home” as Mamdani smiled and waved.
Mamdani’s Stand on NYC as a Sanctuary City
Inside, Mamdani focused on his campaign’s core issue: opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. He vowed to preserve New York City’s sanctuary city status, stating:
“We will continue to uphold that status and ensure that we do not allow ICE agents entry into New York City properties — be they schools, hospitals, or even the properties of New York City contractors — unless they can provide a judicial warrant signed by a judge.”
His speech made only a fleeting reference to rival Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani and Cuomo have been trading recent blows.
When asked why he chose to campaign in Staten Island, a Republican area, Mamdani emphasized his commitment to engaging every corner of the city.
“I will not let it dissuade me from continuing to come to Staten Island — no matter what politics they have, because I know just as there are Republicans who feel that way, there are Republicans who are sincere in their questions,” he said, dismissing the protesters’ hostility.
Outside, the fervor persisted. Among the crowd was a 65-year-old Staten Islander from Florida, wearing an “Alligator Alcatraz” T-shirt.
He skipped work, telling his employer it was a “family emergency.” “This is a little bigger than that,” he said, joining the protest to make it clear Mamdani was “not welcome here.”
While much of New York City is heavily Democrat, this latest incident proves that not everyone in the city approves of Mamdani’s radical, socialist policies.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
