Fact Check: Lehrer challenges Gillibrand: No evidence Mamdani supports Hamas or violent jihad.
What We Know
During a recent radio interview on WNYC's The Brian Lehrer Show, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made statements regarding Zohran Mamdani, a candidate who recently won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. A caller alleged that Mamdani had glorified Hamas and violent jihad, prompting Gillibrand to express concern about Mamdani's past statements. However, Lehrer intervened, stating, “we can find no evidence that he has supported Hamas or supported violent jihad” (Rolling Stone). Following the interview, Gillibrand's office clarified that she "misspoke" in her response and emphasized that there is no evidence supporting the claims made by the caller about Mamdani (Yahoo).
Mamdani has publicly condemned antisemitism and expressed his commitment to protecting all communities in New York City, including Jewish residents (Rolling Stone). The claims made by the caller appear to stem from misunderstandings or misrepresentations of Mamdani's legislative actions, particularly regarding a bill aimed at restricting funding for Israeli settler violence, which Mamdani sponsored (Rolling Stone).
Analysis
The statements made by Gillibrand during the interview were met with immediate pushback from Lehrer, who sought to clarify the misinformation being spread by the caller. Lehrer’s assertion that there is no evidence of Mamdani supporting Hamas or violent jihad is critical, as it highlights the importance of fact-checking claims made in political discourse. The reliability of Lehrer as a source is bolstered by his reputation as a seasoned journalist and host, known for his commitment to factual reporting (Yahoo).
Gillibrand's subsequent acknowledgment that she "misspoke" indicates a recognition of the gravity of the claims made against Mamdani. The fact that her office later stated there is no evidence to support the allegations against Mamdani further corroborates Lehrer's assertion (Rolling Stone). This situation illustrates the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly in political discussions, especially when unverified claims are presented as facts.
The source of the caller's claims appears to be based on a misinterpretation of Mamdani's legislative efforts, particularly regarding Assembly Bill A6943A, which aims to prevent tax-exempt organizations from funding Israeli settlement activities. This bill has been framed by some as an attack on Jewish institutions, but Mamdani has clarified that it targets violence and not the institutions themselves (Rolling Stone).
Conclusion
The claim that Zohran Mamdani supports Hamas or violent jihad is True. There is no evidence to support these allegations, as confirmed by both Brian Lehrer during the interview and by Senator Gillibrand's office afterward. The misinformation appears to stem from a misunderstanding of Mamdani's political positions and legislative actions, rather than any substantiated claims of support for violence or terrorism.
