Newly resurfaced video circulating on X shows New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani being aggressively confronted by a hostile activist during a past visit to Staten Island, reigniting attention around the mayor and the deep political tensions that surround his leadership.
The footage, which has gained renewed traction online in recent days, captures Mamdani inside a local restaurant as an activist approaches him, shouting profanity and accusing the mayor of being unwelcome on the island. While the incident occurred prior to Mamdani taking office, the video’s sudden resurgence has sparked fresh debate and viral discussion now that he serves as the city’s top elected official.
Zohran Mamdani was booed at yelled at when he made an appearance at a food establishment in Staten Island on Wednesday.
He was told he’s “not welcome” and called a “Jew-hating piece of sh*t.”
Activist/artist Scott LoBaido gave Mamdani an earful.
As did other patriots. pic.twitter.com/ZYYKf57lk7
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) August 14, 2025
Confrontation at Local Diner Draws Attention
The most notable incident occurred at a Mediterranean restaurant where Staten Island-based artist Scott LoBaido confronted Mamdani with profanity-laden accusations. LoBaido, known for his provocative public demonstrations, shouted antisemitic slurs at Mamdani and told him he was unwelcome on the island.
According to witness accounts and media reports, LoBaido received three citations from local authorities for his conduct, including charges for disorderly behavior, noise violations, and use of inappropriate language in public. When contacted by reporters, LoBaido acknowledged the foul language citation, stating that profanity was essentially part of his identity.
The confrontation escalated when LoBaido allegedly told Mamdani that he “hated the country” and “hated the island,” reflecting broader tensions about the candidate’s political positions and background.
Mamdani Addresses Hostile Remarks
Following the incidents, Mamdani addressed the hostile reception he received, particularly focusing on comments from protesters telling him to “return to where he came from.” Mamdani described these remarks as both disappointing and predictable, linking them to what he characterized as the divisive political rhetoric associated with President Trump’s influence.
Mamdani’s response highlighted his view that such confrontations represent broader patterns in contemporary American political discourse. He suggested that the hostile reception reflected the type of political environment that has emerged under Trump’s continued influence on Republican politics and conservative activism.
Staten Island Tensions Resurface
Staten Island has long stood apart politically from the rest of New York City, frequently resisting progressive policies supported by City Hall. The resurfaced footage has reignited discussion about the challenges Mamdani faces in governing a city with stark ideological divides between boroughs.
While Mamdani ultimately won the mayoralty, the video underscores lingering opposition among segments of the population who view his leadership and policy positions with skepticism or outright hostility.
Opposition from Former Governor Cuomo
The political landscape became more complex following former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s unsuccessful primary challenge against Mamdani. Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary, has pushed back against Mamdani’s anti-Trump messaging by emphasizing his own history of opposition to the former president.
According to recent reporting, Cuomo claimed that no politician has engaged in more conflicts with Trump than he has during his time in office. This assertion represents Cuomo’s attempt to maintain relevance in New York Democratic politics despite his primary defeat and the controversies that led to his resignation as governor.
🚨 TERRIFYING — ZOHRAN MAMDANI: “This is the first event I’ve done since I won the election on Tuesday!”
CROWD: “Allah Akbar!”
A mayor for Islamists and foreigners. NYC cooked itself.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 8, 2025
Viral Footage Raises Security Questions
The renewed circulation of the video has also prompted questions about public safety and security for elected officials, particularly as older confrontations are recirculated in a more polarized digital environment.
Though no physical altercation occurred in the incident, the intensity of the verbal confrontation has drawn attention from online commentators, many of whom argue the footage highlights the volatile atmosphere surrounding high-profile political figures.
Renewed Scrutiny in the Social Media Era
The viral resurgence of the clip illustrates how past public encounters can take on new significance once an individual ascends to power. For Mamdani, the footage has become a focal point in ongoing online debate about his leadership, his relationship with conservative communities, and the broader political climate under President Trump.
As social media continues to surface and amplify past moments, public officials increasingly find themselves judged not only by their actions in office, but by confrontations captured long before they assumed power.
BRAVO to LoBraido for letting COMMY Mamdani know that he was not wanted there !!! Remember New York ,,,,, you get what you voted for !!!