New York State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov is calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate a civil rights investigation into New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The request follows a pair of stabbings on Manhattan's Upper West Side, which are being examined as potential hate crimes, and Mamdani's public statements regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Novakhov, representing District 45 in Brooklyn, made the call during an "End Jew Hatred" rally in New York City on Sunday. He stated his intention to send a formal letter to the DOJ requesting an investigation into New York State, New York City, and specifically Mamdani's alleged animosity towards the Jewish population.
"If the DOJ stepped in to protect Jewish students at Columbia, it must now step in to protect Jewish New Yorkers," Novakhov wrote on Instagram, referencing a federal probe into antisemitism at Columbia University. He added, "Jewish New Yorkers should not have to hide their Stars of David, tuck away their kippahs, or fear walking their own streets."
The victims of the Thursday afternoon stabbing attacks were identified as Chok Sung, 57, and Moshe Grunhaus, 50. The suspect, Raul Morales, 51, is accused of yelling "Allahu Akbar" during the incident, according to officials. New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed both victims were in stable condition.
The Upper West Side is known for its significant Jewish population. Thursday also marked Tisha B'Av, a Jewish day of fasting and mourning.
Novakhov's call for a federal investigation also references recent comments made by Mayor Mamdani concerning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani has previously referred to Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people." Mamdani also stated that while City Hall lacks the authority to arrest Netanyahu, he believes the prime minister should be held accountable by the International Criminal Court, despite the U.S. not being a member of the international body.
Jewish leaders have expressed concern over Mamdani's remarks, which they view as contributing to an atmosphere of fear. Novakhov asserted, "The Jewish community deserves answers. No one is above the law."