New York Governor Kathy Hochul has strongly condemned remarks made by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who referred to her as “hijab Hochul” after images emerged of her wearing a head scarf at a mosque.
Blakeman, a Republican, accused Hochul, a Democrat, of “political pandering” and described the traditional religious headwear as a “costume,” particularly as the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks approached. Hochul, speaking on Wednesday at an event in Long Island, called Blakeman's comments “reprehensible” and an attempt to divide New Yorkers based on religion.
“To try and divide New Yorkers based on their religion — I think it’s reprehensible — he has taken this to a new level and I think that voters will reject that,” Hochul stated. She added that wearing a head covering is a common practice and a sign of respect when visiting mosques, citing instances of former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, as well as Ivanka Trump, wearing head coverings during similar occasions.
“It’s a sign of respect to the religion of the people, and if he has a problem with that, it says a lot more about him than it does anybody else,” Hochul said. “I reject anyone who tries to use this as another way to separate us as New Yorkers during a time when we should be coming together and supporting each other.”
Notes indicate that Blakeman himself has worn head coverings at a Sikh event in Nassau County, according to photos posted on his social media. Blakeman defended his criticism by referencing his nephew, Tommy, who died on Sept. 11. He accused Hochul of aligning herself with Zohran Mamdani, whom Blakeman claims has not spoken against “Global Intifada.”
Former President Donald Trump also commented on the images via a Truth Social post, suggesting that “Congestion Pricing in Manhattan is hurting her with everybody, but especially the people for whom she wears the hijab. The whole thing is CRAZY!”