June 20, 2025 New York City's already fiery mayoral race has taken a disturbing turn. Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani is now the subject of a police investigation after his campaign revealed he's been receiving alarming car bomb threats.

The Threats: "Violent and Specific Language"

According to a Thursday release from Mamdani's campaign, a repeat caller has been leaving increasingly "alarming" voicemails. While Mamdani, a New York State Assemblymember, does not own a car, the campaign is taking the threats seriously.

"While Zohran does not own a car, the violent and specific language of what appears to be a repeat caller is alarming and we are taking every precaution," the campaign stated. They believe the threats may be linked to "dehumanizing, Islamophobic rhetoric designed to stoke division and hate" that has permeated the political landscape. The campaign emphasized that "violence and racism should have no place in our politics," and Mamdani remains focused on his platform of a "safe and affordable New York."

A Climate of Heightened Political Tensions

These threats against Mamdani come amidst a backdrop of escalating political tensions and incidents involving public figures:

• Just recently, Brad Lander, another Democratic mayoral candidate, was arrested while leaving immigration court.
• The news also follows a "politically motivated" shooting involving two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota.

Cuomo Condemns Threats Amidst Contentious Rivalry

Andrew Cuomo, a fellow Democratic mayoral candidate and Mamdani's direct competitor, swiftly condemned the threats. In a Thursday post on X, Cuomo wrote, "This is an atrocious threat of political violence against Mr. Mamdani. It is unacceptable—I strongly condemn these threats and any others like like them. This has no place in our politics or our society. Thankfully no one was harmed." He added, "This is a pivotal time in this country and we need to tone down the rhetoric and focus on the people’s agenda."

Cuomo's condemnation comes despite a notoriously heated exchange between the two candidates during a June 12 debate. Mamdani publicly chastised Cuomo for past misconduct and mispronouncing his name, delivering a scathing rebuke that included: "I have never had to resign in disgrace. I have never stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from the MTA.

I have never hounded the 13 women who credibly accused me of sexual harassment. I have never sued for their gynecological records. And I have never done those things because I am not you, Mr. Cuomo." He also pointedly corrected Cuomo on the pronunciation of his name: "The name is Mamdani, M, A, M, D, A, N, I. You should learn how to say it."

The Race Tightens: A Close Contest Ahead

Despite the personal animosity, the race between Mamdani and Cuomo remains incredibly tight. A June poll from the Marist Institute for Public Opinion shows them neck and neck with voters, with Cuomo at 55 percent and Mamdani at 45 percent, a mere 10-percentage-point difference.

As the mayoral election draws closer, the focus on candidate safety and the civility of political discourse is undeniably at the forefront. The ongoing police investigation will be closely watched as the campaigns continue their push for New York City's top job.