CNN Clash Elevates Cuomo’s 9/11 Remark in New York Mayor’s Race

A CNN panel dispute over Andrew Cuomo’s criticism drew new focus to Zohran Mamdani’s recent photo with imam Siraj Wahhaj.

Overview

During a radio interview, Andrew Cuomo said, “God forbid, another 9/11 — can you imagine Mamdani in the seat?” and chuckled after host Sid Rosenberg replied that Mamdani “would be cheering.”
Zohran Mamdani and Democratic allies condemned the exchange as Islamophobic and outside acceptable campaign discourse.
On CNN, Scott Jennings defended Cuomo’s line by questioning Mamdani’s executive experience and highlighting Mamdani’s Oct. 17 photo at Masjid At-Taqwa with imam Siraj Wahhaj.
Wahhaj has been described in reporting as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center case, a point conservative commentators cited as fair for voter scrutiny.
Right-leaning outlets amplified the CNN segment as Cuomo courts Republican voters ahead of the Nov. 4 New York City mayoral election.