Latest news with #DemocraticSocialist
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Zohran Mamdani's anti-NYPD post re-emerges after shooting
Democratic Socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's past tweets mocking the New York Police Department have come back to haunt him after an officer was murdered in a mass-shooting. Mamdani, 33, issued a message from Uganda, where he is celebrating his wedding, after a gunman killed four people on Monday, including NYPD officer Didarul Islam, 36. 'I'm heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in Midtown and I am holding the victims, their families, and the NYPD officer in critical condition in my thoughts. Grateful for all of our first responders on the ground,' Mamdani wrote. He'll also hold an event dedicated to Islam's (pictured) memory later today. But the city council member was met with social media users reminding him of his past posts where he repeatedly spoke against police and asked to defund the NYPD. In one particular damning post, Mamdani said 'nature was healing,' when someone said they saw a police officer crying over the electoral win of Joe Biden in 2020. Mamdani, who defeated former NYC governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primaries for mayor, denies being anti-police and calling for the NYPD to be defunded. However, his social media activity serves as proof that he was unapologetically supportive of defunding the NYPD during the height of Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 sparked by the death of George Floyd. On June 28, 2020, Mamdani said: 'We don't need an investigation to know that the NYPD is racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety. 'What we need is to #DefundTheNYPD. But your deal with [New York City mayor] uses budget tricks to keep as many cops as possible on the beat. NO to fake cuts - defund the police.' 'No, we want to defund the police,' he wrote on June 8, 2020. 'Queer liberation means defund the police,' he added on November 5. But Mamdani has changed his tune as he campaigns for mayor before the general election in November, and now claims he will not defund the police. Last month he wrote: 'Don't believe the MAGA billionaires funding Andrew Cuomo's fear-driven campaign: I will not defund the police. I will let them do their actual jobs by investing in social and mental health workers, and pursuing evidence-based policies that deliver safety. The NYPD said the officer killed in Monday's shooting was an immigrant from Bangladesh who had served as a police officer in New York City for three years. 'He was doing the job that we asked him to do. He put himself in harm's way. He made the ultimate sacrifice,' Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. 'He died as he lived. A hero.' The gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, also killed Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner and security guard Aland Etienne in the lobby of 345 Park Avenue. Meanwhile, Rudin firm employee Julia Hyman was shot dead on the 33rd floor. The shooting took place at a skyscraper that is home to the headquarters of both the NFL and Blackstone, one of the world's largest investment firms, as well as other tenants. Police believe the gunman meant to target the NFL offices but took the wrong elevator and ended up at the offices of a real estate company, where he killed himself. One man was seriously wounded and remains in critical condition, Mayor Eric Adams said. Four others got minor injuries attempting to flee. Adams said officials are still 'unraveling' what took place. Tamura's motive for the massacre remains unclear as of Tuesday morning. However, he was found with a letter on his body indicating he had grievances with the NFL and its handling of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after the rampage at 345 Park Avenue.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Masked security, million-dollar views: Zohran Mamdani's wedding sparks culture clash, faces criticism
Zohran Mamdani , a New York State Assemblyman and rising Democratic Socialist figure, returned to his birthplace of Uganda earlier this month. Not for a campaign pause or family visit, but to celebrate his wedding—already formalised earlier this year—with artist and animator Rama Duwaji . The celebration took place in Buziga Hill, one of Kampala's wealthiest enclaves. It stretched over three days, from Tuesday through Friday. By all accounts, it was private, tightly controlled, and utterly extravagant. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Public Policy others Leadership Digital Marketing Degree Data Science Management Product Management PGDM CXO MBA Data Science Finance Healthcare Data Analytics Design Thinking Cybersecurity Others Technology MCA Operations Management Project Management healthcare Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Economics for Public Policy Making Quantitative Techniques Public & Project Finance Law, Health & Urban Development Policy Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate Programme in Public Policy Management Starts on Mar 3, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Calcutta Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management Starts on undefined Get Details Fortress on the hill The Mamdani family estate was turned into a party zone. Fairy lights draped the garden trees, music poured out past midnight, and luxury cars like Mercedes and a Range Rover glided past heavily fortified security gates. According to The New York Post, the house was guarded by "more than 20 special forces command unit guards, some in masks, and there was a phone-jamming system set up — all for the strictly invite-only Mamdani event... One gate had around nine guards stationed at it." Military-style tents appeared within the grounds, only to be taken down once the party concluded. Mamdani's own private security then resumed control at the entrances. Live Events Guests were seen dancing to local DJs, sipping fruit juices—typical of Indian-style weddings—and soaking in views of Lake Victoria from a two-acre estate that sits behind three security gates. The weight of mourning next door While the Mamdanis celebrated, a very different mood hung over the neighbouring homes. Just three minutes down the road, former Ugandan Supreme Court Judge George Kanyeihamba had died a week earlier. The community was still in mourning. President Yoweri Museveni visited the area to pay his respects. His convoy shut down local streets, including those around the Mamdani compound. It's unclear whether he also dropped in on the wedding. If he did, no one's admitting it. To some locals, the celebration came across as tone-deaf. "Because of the culture here, it was insensitive to have a wedding celebration in the same week as mourning — or 'Okukungubaga' — as it's called here," one resident told The Post. "He has not even been buried, and we have his friends coming to give last words and to mourn before the burial next week, yet Mamdani is celebrating his wedding for three days." Others in the area didn't even know what was going on inside the gates. "Local children have been watching Mamdani on TV, and everyone was talking about him, but not about the wedding," said another resident. "For us, it's just about survival. We're just trying to win the bread and make sure our families are OK." A political figure in the spotlight Mamdani, 33, was born in Kampala but moved to New York at age seven. He became a US citizen in 2018. His parents—filmmaker Mira Nair and political theorist Mahmood Mamdani—split their time between Uganda, New York, and New Delhi. Their Buziga Hill estate, worth well over a million dollars, sits among properties owned by some of Uganda's richest, including tycoon Godfrey Kirumira. Mamdani and Duwaji, who met on Hinge, now live in a rent-stabilised flat in Astoria. Earlier this year, the couple eloped. The Ugandan celebration was their moment to mark the occasion with family. But critics online weren't impressed by the extravagance. Many took aim at what they saw as contradictions in Mamdani's political message. "Zohran Mamdani has run on the platform of defunding the police and abolishing prisons but this is his private security outside his family compound in Uganda," one X user posted. "Don't those that can't afford private security also deserve to feel safe and protected?" Another called him out as a "champagne socialist", writing, "Masked guards, phone jammers, three-day bash on a private estate—peak hypocrisy." One jabbed at the optics: "Nothing says American like getting married on your family's luxury Uganda compound. A man of the people." The backlash was swift, and loud. Mamdani hasn't issued a formal response to the criticism. But he did poke fun at the media attention with a video posted to Instagram. Holding mocked-up front pages, he smiled and said, "Since you will undoubtedly read about this trip in The New York Post — Inshallah on the front page — here are a few of my humble suggestions for headlines." He confirmed he would remain in Uganda until the end of the month. That was as close to a statement as anyone got. A clash of worlds What this event revealed, more than anything, is the tension between public persona and private reality. Mamdani campaigns on economic justice, police reform, and housing equity. But his family wealth, private armed security, and ability to host an insulated celebration in a country grappling with poverty stand in contrast to those ideals. Whether the wedding will affect his campaign remains to be seen. But it's clear that this wasn't just a family affair. It became a political event, with consequences far beyond Kampala's hills. In the end, a party that was meant to be private became public in all the wrong ways. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
NDTV
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"Champagne Socialist": Zohran Mamdani Faces Flak For Lavish Uganda Wedding
New York City's mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has been branded a "champagne socialist" after reports of his extravagant and high-security wedding celebration in Uganda. The 33-year-old Democratic Socialist assemblyman held a three-day wedding party at his family's secluded compound in Buziga Hill, a posh neighbourhood on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda's capital. The event had military-style guards, multiple security gates, luxury cars, and even a cellphone-jamming system, The NY Post reported. In December 2024, Mamdani had a Nikkah ceremony with artist-animator Rama Duwaji in Dubai. Her family was in attendance. They then held a civil ceremony in February this year in New York City. This month, the couple flew to Uganda to celebrate the wedding with his parents, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, at their two-acre lakeside estate. According to local sources who spoke to The NYP, the residence was transformed into a high-security party zone with guests arriving in luxury vehicles, music playing late into the night, and guards stationed at the gates wearing masks and military-style gear. Festivities extended into the late hours under strings of lights, with buses and high-end cars such as Mercedes-Benz models and a Range Rover seen entering the premises. The event led to criticism online. Social media users pointed to the contrast between Mamdani's political platform, which includes calls for rent freezes, police budget cuts, and expanded housing rights, and the extravagant celebration. A user on X wrote, "Zohran Mamdani called ICE agents in masks 'militarised oppression.' Then flew to Uganda for his own wedding bash, guarded by masked riflemen, military tents, and a phone-jamming system - all at his millionaire family's compound. ICE for thee, private militia for me. Revolution sponsored by generational wealth." Zohran Mamdani called ICE agents in masks 'militarized oppression.' Then flew to Uganda for his own wedding bash, guarded by masked riflemen, military tents, and a phone-jamming system — all at his millionaire family's compound. ICE for thee, private militia for me.… — Sam E. Antar (@SamAntar) July 26, 2025 Another said, "Mamdani clearly doesn't see the irony-his wealth and lavish lifestyle, including that Uganda wedding bash with armed guards, stem directly from capitalism. As a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist, he thrives while pushing policies like defunding the NYPD and rent freezes that could financially ruin everyone else." Mamdani clearly doesn't see the irony—his wealth and lavish lifestyle, including that Uganda wedding bash with armed guards, stem directly from capitalism. As a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist, he thrives while pushing policies like defunding the NYPD and rent freezes that… — Grass???? (@DewyGrassBlades) July 26, 2025 Someone commented, "Three separate wedding celebrations in NYC, Dubai, and Uganda. It is always the same with these champagne socialists. It is remarkable how many avowed socialists during my undergrad in Trinity spent their study breaks skiing." Three separate wedding celebrations in NYC, Dubai, and Uganda. It is always the same with these champagne socialists. It is remarkable how many avowed socialists during my undergrad in Trinity spent their study breaks skiing. — Rachel Moiselle (@RachelMoiselle) July 26, 2025 Ugandan locals have reportedly taken issue with the timing of the party, which coincided with national mourning for a prominent judge in the region. Mamdani has built his political reputation on advocating for working-class New Yorkers and opposing systemic inequality. He wants to freeze rent on nearly one million apartments, build 2 lakh affordable homes, and give tenants stronger protections. His plans include raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030, creating city-run grocery stores to lower food prices, and offering free childcare for all young children. To pay for these ideas, he proposes higher taxes on millionaires, big companies, and luxury real estate deals.
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
‘Masked Guards, Phone Jammers': Zohran Mamdani's Lavish Uganda Wedding Bash Sparks Outrage
New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani hosted a lavish wedding celebration in Uganda, with entry strictly by invitation. Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor last month, is now facing criticism after reports surfaced of a grand, three-day wedding celebration held in Uganda. The event has sparked debate over the contrast between his political ideals and personal lifestyle. According to a report in the New York Post, the celebration took place last week at his family's private estate in Kampala, Uganda. Mamdani, 33, was celebrating with his wife Rama Duwaji, a 27-year-old artist and animator, after eloping earlier this year. The gathering included close friends and family and was held at the Mamdanis' luxurious residence in Buziga Hill, one of the city's most elite neighbourhoods. The celebration was heavily guarded. As per the report, witnesses said more than 20 masked security guards were stationed around the property, and cellphone signals in the area were jammed. Entry to the compound was strictly invitation-only, with at least one gate watched by nearly ten guards. Here's How Social Media Reacted The tight security and grand celebrations caught people's attention online. Many pointed out that Mamdani supports cutting police budgets, yet used private guards for his own event. Another said, 'Ask yourself, why would Zohran Mamdani need to use cell phone jammers and heavy security for guests at his party. Could it be that the Socialist candidate didn't want to be outed as a wealthy hypocrite—living a life that he condemns for other New Yorkers?" 'Mamdani clearly doesn't see the irony—his wealth and lavish lifestyle, including that Uganda wedding bash with armed guards, stem directly from capitalism. As a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist, he thrives while pushing policies like defunding the NYPD and rent freezes that could financially ruin everyone else," someone else said. 'Three lavish weddings in NYC, Dubai & Uganda—while preaching socialism to struggling New Yorkers. It's always the same with champagne socialists: lectures on equality by day, luxury with elites by night. Socialism for the poor, capitalism for the connected," read another comment. Timing Of Celebration Apart from the scale of the wedding, some locals in Uganda raised concerns about its timing. The event happened around the same time the community was mourning the death of retired Supreme Court Judge George Kanyeihamba, who lived close to the Mamdani estate, the New York Post reported. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had also visited the neighbourhood to pay his respects, and the road was reportedly 'blocked" during his arrival. 'Because of the culture here, it was insensitive to have a wedding celebration in the same week as mourning – or 'Okukungubaga' – as it's called here," a local said. 'People are still in mourning. He has not even been buried, and we have his friends coming to give last words and to mourn before the burial next week, yet Mamdani is celebrating his wedding for three days," a source told the outlet. Zohran Mamdani would stay in Uganda until the end of the month. First Published: News viral 'Masked Guards, Phone Jammers': Zohran Mamdani's Lavish Uganda Wedding Bash Sparks Outrage Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Zohran Mamdani under fire for lavish Uganda wedding: 'Socialism for thee, not for me'
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing backlash after reports of a lavish three-day wedding celebration at his family's estate in Uganda. According to The New York Post, the Indian-origin Democratic Socialist celebrated his wedding to Rama Duwaji in a wealthy suburb outside Kampala. The Indian-origin Democratic Socialist celebrated his wedding to Rama Duwaji in a wealthy suburb outside Kampala.(Getty Images via AFP) Although Mamdani, 33, tied the knot last year, the Uganda event appeared to be extravagant. It reportedly featured armed guards, a cellphone jamming system to prevent photo leaks, and tight security around the estate. A source quoted in the Post claimed that masked special forces were stationed outside the compound to guard the invitation-only event. The revelations quickly drew criticism online, particularly from those questioning Mamdani's political positions on public safety. "NYC Mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani has run on the platform of defunding the police and abolishing prisons but this is his private security outside his family compound in Uganda. Don't those that can't afford private security, also deserve to feel safe and protected?" said one X user. Another added, "Zohran Mamdani wants to ban all guns and defund the police, then flies to Uganda for his wedding, guarded by masked special forces at his family's multimillion-dollar compound. Socialism for thee, not for me." A third user taunted Mamdani's lavish celebration, mocking him as a "man of the people". "Zohran Mamdani: Nothing says American like getting married on your family's luxury Uganda compound. A man of the people," they added. "So it's ok to have masked military for his wedding but ICE isn't supposed to wear masks?" quipped a fourth user. Others criticised Mamdani's privilege in the East African country. "He is privileged. He offers freebies because he's incapable of taking any real steps to improve the economy, as that requires effort."
