“Don’t elect Muslim immigrants”: Islamophobic attacks follow NFL headquarters mass shooting after Muslim NYPD officer gets killed

A tragic mass shooting on Park Avenue in Manhattan has become the latest flashpoint for political disinformation, with far-right voices attempting to link the attack to Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani—despite no evidence connecting him to the crime. The incident, which claimed four lives including an NYPD officer, quickly turned into a digital battlefield fueled by Islamophobic rhetoric and political fearmongering.In the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, conspiracy theorists and conservative commentators pounced. Far-right personality Laura Loomer accused Mamdani of inspiring “a generation of pro-Islamic cop killers,” writing on X, “This is why you don’t elect Muslim immigrants to office.” Other voices resurfaced old statements from Mamdani about defunding the police—remarks he has since walked back—to question his legitimacy as a public servant.This narrative gained traction online before facts could surface, despite the real story being far different. One of the victims was Officer Didarul Islam, a Muslim Bangladeshi immigrant and father of two, who was working security when he was fatally shot. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called him “a hero,” saying, “He made the ultimate sacrifice, shot in cold blood… He died as he lived: a hero.”In the Bronx, where Officer Islam lived, the Bangladeshi community gathered in solidarity. Nurul Islam, a community leader and friend of the fallen officer, dismissed the online hate: “The killer is the killer. He doesn’t care who is Muslim, who is non-Muslim.”Zohran Mamdani, currently visiting Uganda, responded with empathy, tweeting: “I’m heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in midtown… Grateful for all of our first responders.” Supporters, including Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, blasted the bigoted narratives: “This bigoted rhetoric dishonors the lives we lost and endangers our Muslim communities.”The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the online hate, calling it “blind hatred” and demanding accountability for spreading false narratives in times of tragedy.Also Read: “Study my brain please”: Shooter in NYC accused NFL of CTE, demanded brain study in suicide note after Manhattan massacreNo, there is no evidence linking him to the attack.A Muslim NYPD officer and father, killed while working security during the shooting.Right-wing commentators used his religion and past statements to push anti-Muslim narratives.