On Thursday, September 18th, a Texas man appeared in a Queens court facing charges of making death threats against New York City mayoral candidate and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani.
Jeremy Fistel, 44, of Plano, Texas, was arrested on September 11 and faces a 22-count indictment, including four counts of making a terroristic threat as a hate crime and 14 counts of aggravated harassment in the second degree. He pleaded not guilty during Thursday’s arraignment at Queens Criminal Court.
Authorities said Fistel left multiple voicemails at Mamdani’s office between June and July, containing anti-Muslim language and threats. The messages reportedly told Mamdani to “go back to Uganda before someone shoots him in the head,” warned him to watch his house and family, and stated that he and his relatives “deserve to die.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the severity of the case, noting that the defendant “threatened an elected official by leaving a series of increasingly alarming anti-Muslim messages” and stressing that there is “no room for hate or bigotry in our political discourse.”
Fistel was granted $30,000 bail and is due back in court on November 19th. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michelle A. Johnson also issued an order of protection requiring him to stay away from Mamdani, including his home and campaign offices.
Mamdani’s campaign condemned the threats and praised the security measures in place, noting that such threats “reflect a broader climate of hate that has no place in our city” and emphasizing that the candidate and his team are safe.
The NYPD noted that candidates usually do not receive security details unless a threat assessment indicates a significant risk. The arraignment comes amid heightened national tensions and during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Mamdani, the Democratic socialist nominee, has drawn attention for proposals including free city buses, city-run grocery stores, and a millionaire’s tax.
