As New Yorkers headed to the polls on Tuesday for the city’s mayoral election, tensions escalated when bomb threats forced the closure of several polling stations in northern New Jersey.
Amid the chaos, the campaign trail became a battlefield of accusations and political rhetoric, drawing national attention to the race and the candidates involved.
Mamdani Links Trump to Threats, Sparks Backlash
During a last-minute campaign stop, Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani addressed the recent bomb threats, suggesting that they reflected a broader pattern tied to former President Donald Trump.
“It’s incredibly concerning, and it shows the attacks we’re seeing on our democracy,” Mamdani said, framing the threats as part of a larger effort to intimidate voters.
“We have to understand this as part of the general approach the Trump administration has taken to trying to repress the voice of Americans with baseless claims of voter fraud.”
Mamdani’s comments quickly drew sharp criticism from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described his remarks as “completely irresponsible,” arguing that linking Trump to the threats was unfounded and politically motivated.
“It’s unfortunate to see someone at the top of the ticket on election day making such claims against the president when he obviously had nothing to do with these threats,” Leavitt said.
Polling Stations Closed Amid Security Concerns
Local authorities confirmed that credible threats prompted the temporary shutdown of several polling locations in seven counties across northern New Jersey.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin stated that law enforcement responded promptly, clearing some locations so voting could resume.
Meanwhile, residents and voters expressed a mix of concern and frustration as officials scrambled to ensure safety while keeping the democratic process moving.
Trump Launches Attacks Against Mamdani and Endorses Cuomo
Former President Trump used the day to fire back at Mamdani and other Democratic candidates on his Truth Social platform.
In a string of posts, he labeled Mamdani a “communist” and warned Jewish voters specifically against supporting him.
Trump also endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo, urging New Yorkers to back Cuomo despite the ex-governor’s controversial history, including his 2022 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations and his handling of COVID-positive patients in nursing homes.
“Whether you like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice.
You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job,” Trump wrote.
Threats to Federal Funding Loom Over Mamdani Victory
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump warned that a Mamdani win could result in a significant reduction of federal funding to New York City.
“If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins, it is highly unlikely that I will contribute Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home,” he wrote, arguing that the city would face “zero chance of success, or even survival” under Mamdani’s leadership.
With tensions high and the election results closely watched, New York City voters faced a day marked by both security concerns and heated political attacks, setting the stage for a historic and highly charged mayoral contest.