New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) have come under fire after a photo from their rally in Queens went viral online. The image appeared to show them making a hand gesture that many on social media described as a “Nazi salute.”
The rally took place on Sunday, October 26, where thousands of supporters gathered to back Mamdani’s mayoral campaign. Also present at the event was Senator Bernie Sanders, who joined Mamdani and AOC on stage.
Sharing the picture on X, Mamdani wrote, “Thank you, New York City. Now let’s win.” The photo showed Mamdani and AOC with their hands raised toward the crowd while Sanders stood beside them.
Thank you, New York City.
Now let’s win. pic.twitter.com/3EL0X30UAh
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) October 27, 2025
Ted Cruz and Elon Musk React to the Photo
The image quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions from public figures. US Senator Ted Cruz questioned on X, “Are those Nazi salutes?”
In response, Elon Musk commented, “Sure looks like it.” Musk’s reply reignited debate online, as the billionaire himself had previously been criticized for making a similar gesture at a public event.
Are those Nazi salutes? https://t.co/84RCso5JCN
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) October 27, 2025
Neither Mamdani nor AOC has directly addressed the accusations so far. Their campaign teams have not issued an official statement clarifying the gesture, which supporters insist was simply a wave to the crowd.
Mamdani’s Speech: “The World Is Changing”
During his speech at the Queens tennis stadium, Mamdani described his campaign as a battle against corruption and billionaire influence in politics. He recalled his journey from being little known to becoming a strong contender in New York’s mayoral race.
“Now, as we stand on the precipice of taking this city back from corrupt politicians and the billionaires that fund them, let our words ring out so loud tonight that Andrew Cuomo can hear them in his $8,000-a-month apartment,” he said.
He added, “We climbed in the polls faster than Andrew Cuomo could dial Donald Trump’s number. People began to be able to pronounce my name.”
Mamdani also criticized former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is contesting the elections as an independent candidate, calling him a representative of “old politics.”
A Call for Ambitious Government
In his address, Mamdani urged for a bold and people-driven government that tackles issues without hesitation. “Because we need a government that is every bit as ambitious as our adversaries,” he said. “A government strong enough to refuse the realities we will not accept and forge the future.”
He concluded his speech with a powerful message: “My friends, the world is changing. It’s not a question of whether that change will come. It’s a question of who will change it.”
Controversy Adds New Twist to Mayoral Race
The viral photo has injected new controversy into Mamdani’s campaign, overshadowing his policy-focused message. Political analysts say the gesture debate could distract from his reform agenda, especially as opponents use it to question his public image.
The coming days will show whether Mamdani’s campaign can recover momentum and refocus on issues like economic equality and social justice — or if the “Nazi salute” row will dominate headlines.
