Texas man charged for death threats against NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani

Man threatens Zohran Mamdani, his wife, kids

New York City mayoral candidate and Democrat Zohran Mamdani was targeted with death threats from a Texas man, authorities said. According to NBC News, the threats were made by phone and through Mamdani’s campaign website.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Monday that the suspect, 44-year-old Jeremy Fistel, was arrested last week and indicted on 22 counts. He faces charges including making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, aggravated harassment, and other related offenses.

Prosecutors allege that Fistel left a series of threatening voicemails and written messages for Mamdani in June and July, warning that the candidate “should fear for his life.”

“I’d love to see an IDF bullet go through your skull," the message read, according to court documents accessed by the broadcaster. “Would be even better if you had to watch your wife and kids murdered in front you before they end your pathetic miserable life…I hope you all die painful sudden deaths. Do us all a favor and kill yourself."

Prosecutors said that a few weeks after the initial threatening voicemail, Fistel left another message with similar language. Mamdani’s campaign staff reported the first call to police on June 18, the day it was received.

Investigators determined that Fistel had blocked his caller ID, but were able to trace the calls to his cellphone. According to the complaint, a threatening message submitted through Mamdani’s campaign website was also tied to his email account.

Fistel was taken into custody in Texas last week and extradited to Queens on Wednesday. If convicted of the top charge, he faces up to 15 years in prison. His attorney could not be reached for comment on Thursday.