Overview
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon used the Israel Hayom summit in Manhattan to label Zohran Mamdani an “antisemitic demagogue.”
- Dhillon said the Justice Department and FBI are already investigating attacks in New York, New Jersey and elsewhere, pledging federal intervention if local protections for Jews fall short.
- She defended free-speech principles when asked about Tucker Carlson’s decision to host Nick Fuentes, saying platforming choices rest with Carlson despite her rejection of Fuentes’ views.
- The controversy traces to a protest outside Park East Synagogue targeting a Nefesh B’Nefesh aliyah event, where demonstrators used slurs and chants reported as celebrating violence.
- Mamdani’s office said he opposed the protest’s language but argued synagogues should not host events that promote activities violating international law, later clarifying the objection focused on West Bank settlements as critics called the stance inadequate.