NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani sparked backlash by falsely claiming NYPD boots are made by the IDF, reigniting debate over his rhetoric.

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani reignited controversy on October 26, 2025, by asserting during a rally that NYPD boots are "laced by the IDF," linking police equipment to the Israel Defense Forces. The claim, originally made in a 2023 video and widely criticized as antisemitic, reflects Mamdani’s longstanding critique of the NYPD and U.S. foreign policy. Though no evidence supports the assertion, it has drawn scrutiny over his rhetoric on law enforcement, Israel, and Palestinian rights, with polls showing continued support among some Jewish voters despite concerns from religious leaders and critics who label his statements as divisive.