Author Stephen King has come to the defense of newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, responding sharply to a wave of racist backlash following Mamdani’s historic election win.
Mamdani, 34, won the New York mayoral race with 50.4 percent of the vote, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who secured 41.6 percent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, who earned 7 percent, according to The Guardian.
Despite his decisive victory, Mamdani’s election has drawn heavy criticism from some conservative voices online, many of whom have made offensive remarks targeting his Muslim faith. Several social media users and political figures have even compared his win to the 9/11 terrorist attacks; a claim widely condemned as racist and baseless.
Stephen King’s Viral Response
One post, which circulated widely on social media, showed an image of the Twin Towers burning during the 2001 terrorist attacks with a caption reading: “How the hell does the city that experienced the biggest Islamic terrorist attack in history vote for a Muslim mayor?”
Stephen King, known for his blunt and often witty online presence, quickly responded with an 11-word reply that went viral: “Um, he didn’t do it. He was 10 at the time.”
Mamdani, born in October 1991, was just shy of his tenth birthday when the attacks occurred so, naturally, King wanted to point out the absurdity of linking the new mayor to events that happened when he was a child.
Public Reaction to the Backlash
King’s post sparked widespread support online, with many users condemning the original comment and others like it. Replies to King’s defense included messages calling out the racism and ignorance behind the criticism.
One person wrote: “And the Oklahoma City bomber was a supposed devout Christian, and people continue to elect Christians, one statement as stupid as the other.”
Another user, whose cousin died in the 9/11 attacks, said: “The amount of people who share the images of my cousin and thousands of others getting murdered for scare tactics and political points is sickening. No matter the party, it should never be shared.”
Someone else added: "Thats like saying "how could anyone in america vote a white man as president after seeing white men shoot up schools.'"
Mamdani Responds to Racist Remarks in His Victory Speech
In his acceptance speech, Mamdani addressed the discrimination and criticism that had followed him throughout his campaign. Speaking before a crowd of supporters, he embraced his identity and values without apology.
Credit: Angelina Katsanis-Pool / Getty Images.
“I am Muslim. I am a Democratic Socialist, and most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this,” he said. “If tonight teaches us anything, it is that convention has held us back.”
He continued, “We have bowed at the altar of caution and paid a mighty price. Too many working people cannot recognize themselves in our party. Too many among us have turned to the right for answers for why they have been left behind. We will leave mediocrity in our past.”
Mamdani’s message resonated with many who see his victory as a reflection of New York’s diversity and progress. While the racist backlash has been loud, support for the new mayor continues to grow, and King’s succinct, viral defense underscored how simple facts can cut through prejudice.