UPDATE: A man in Texas has been arrested for making severe terroristic threats against New York state assemblyman and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Authorities confirm that Jeremy Fistel faces a 22-count indictment, including charges for hate crimes, following alarming voicemail and written messages sent to Mamdani’s office.
The indictment comes in the wake of rising concerns over public officials’ safety, especially after the recent shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. This incident has intensified discussions about the dangers lawmakers face in today’s politically charged environment.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Fistel’s threats were both graphic and deeply troubling. In a voicemail left on June 18, Fistel warned Mamdani: “Go on and start your car. See what happens…yeah, keep an eye on your house and your family.” His messages escalated in severity, culminating in a July 8 submission via Mamdani’s website stating, “I hope you get terminal cancer and die a painful death very soon.”
The repeated threats prompted immediate action from law enforcement. Authorities report that Fistel attempted to conceal his identity during the calls, but investigators traced the messages back to his cell phone and email account.
“Fistel allegedly sent increasingly alarming anti-Muslim messages,” said Katz. “We take threats of violence against any office holder extremely seriously, and there is no room for hate or bigotry in our political discourse.” The District Attorney’s office has praised the collaborative efforts of the NYPD, FBI, and US Marshals Service in apprehending Fistel.
Mamdani’s campaign released a statement decrying the harassment as part of a troubling trend of hate that undermines civic participation. “We cannot and will not be intimidated by racism, Islamophobia, and hate,” the statement read. “New York must be a city where every single person — regardless of faith, background, or identity — is safe, protected, and at home.”
The arraignment of Fistel on Thursday marks a critical moment in addressing the rising tide of threats against public figures. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top charge. Fistel has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court on November 19, 2025.
As this case unfolds, experts urge greater awareness and action against hate crimes, emphasizing the need for robust protections for public officials. The implications of Fistel’s threats not only impact Mamdani but also raise alarms about the broader climate of safety for candidates and elected officials across the nation.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story progresses.