Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Allies Criticize NYC Mayor for Delayed Response to Pro-Hamas Rally
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism for taking nearly a day to respond to a pro-Hamas rally in Queens.
The protest, which happened on January 9, 2026, made schools and a synagogue close early.
Many people, including other Democratic leaders, said the mayor should have spoken out much faster.
They were upset because the protesters were supporting a group called Hamas, which is known for causing harm.
The mayor finally said the protest's messages were wrong, but some of his supporters and other leaders think he should have said something sooner.
Other important leaders in New York quickly condemned the protest, saying Hamas is a dangerous group that should not be supported.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism for a nearly 24-hour delay in responding to a pro-Hamas rally in Queens.
The protest prompted schools and a synagogue to close early as a precaution.
Democratic leaders and Jewish community figures argued that the mayor's response was too slow.
Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James quickly condemned the protest, calling Hamas a terrorist organization.
Mamdani eventually stated that the protest's rhetoric was wrong and had no place in New York City.
- Who
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other Democratic leaders
- What
- Criticism over delayed response to a pro-Hamas rally
- When
- January 9, 2026
- Where
- Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, New York
- Why
- Protesters chanted pro-Hamas slogans, prompting early closures of schools and a synagogue
- Event
- Pro-Hamas rally in Queens, NYC
- Date
- January 9, 2026
- Location
- Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, New York
- Organizers
- Palestinian Assembly for Liberation–Awda
- Key Figures
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James
- Impact
- Schools and a synagogue closed early as a precaution
- Protest Chants
- We support Hamas, Globalize the intifada, Death to the IDF
- Response Time
- Nearly 24 hours