Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faced a hostile reception in Staten Island on Wednesday during a stop on his five-borough, weeklong anti-President Trump tour, as reported by The New York Post.
The event, held at Istanbul Bay Authentic Mediterranean Restaurant in Stapleton Heights, drew loud protests led by local artist and activist Scott LoBaido.
LoBaido said he was arrested after attempting to confront Mamdani inside the venue and continuing the demonstration outside with a bullhorn. According to LoBaido, he was issued three summonses for disorderly conduct, a sound violation, and foul language.
“I’ll have to plead guilty on that one,” LoBaido said of the foul language citation. “Foul language is my middle name.”
Protesters, many wearing red, white, and blue, carried “Curtis Sliwa for Mayor” signs and voiced their support for the GOP nominee. They surrounded Mamdani as he arrived, shouting obscenities and telling him to “go home.”
LoBaido called Mamdani “Mamdandy” and accused him of hating both Staten Island and the United States.
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, appeared unfazed. He smiled and waved as the crowd chanted. In his remarks, he criticized President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, pledging to maintain New York City’s sanctuary city status.
“We will continue to uphold that status and ensure that we do not allow ICE agents entry into New York City properties — be they schools, hospitals, or even the properties of New York City contractors — unless they can provide a judicial warrant signed by a judge,” Mamdani said.
He made only a brief reference to his recent feud with rival mayoral contender Andrew Cuomo, focusing instead on immigration policy.
Mamdani argued that the Trump administration’s approach threatens the “fabric” of New York City and reiterated his commitment to limiting ICE operations in the city.
When asked why he chose to campaign in heavily Republican Staten Island, Mamdani said his goal was to visit all areas of the city and speak with voters across the political spectrum.
“I will not let it dissuade me from continuing to come to Staten Island — no matter what politics they have, because I know just as there are Republicans who feel that way, there are Republicans who are sincere in their questions,” he said.
Protesters outside included a 65-year-old Staten Island resident who had traveled from Florida and skipped work to attend.
Wearing an “Alligator Alcatraz” T-shirt, he told reporters he considered the protest a priority. “I told them it was a family emergency, this is a little bigger than that,” he said.
The Staten Island stop was part of Mamdani’s continued campaign effort despite vocal opposition in areas with strong support for President Trump.
