Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama faced sharp criticism from Democrats after sharing a post comparing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. Tuberville reposted on X (formerly Twitter) an image juxtaposing the Twin Towers burning with a photo of Mamdani hosting a Ramadan Iftar event at City Hall, accompanied by the message, “Less than 25 years apart,” and added the comment, “the enemy is inside the gates.”
Mamdani, a Muslim and democratic socialist, responded by urging Washington politicians to show as much outrage over issues like child hunger as over his act of breaking bread with constituents. His reply highlighted the political nature of Tuberville’s statement.
Democratic leaders condemned Tuberville’s remarks as Islamophobic and racist. Senator Ed Markey described the comment as “mindless hate,” accusing Republicans of wanting to “Make America White Again.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the statement “fundamentally un-American” and emphasized that Muslim Americans hold diverse roles across society.
Tuberville defended his position, characterizing Radical Islam as a cult incompatible with the U.S. Constitution and asserting it persecutes minorities and women according to Sharia law. He included previous posts using similar language toward Mamdani, including one from December 31 that referenced Mamdani being the first NYC mayor to be sworn in on a Quran.
The controversy follows Mamdani’s recent profile as a progressive mayor known for a landmark housing enforcement court victory. Tuberville’s posts have intensified partisan tensions surrounding religious and cultural issues in New York politics.
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