New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Sworn In on Quran

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NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked a historic first during his inauguration this week by taking the oath of office with his hand on the Quran, becoming the city’s first mayor to do so. Mamdani, a South Asian, millennial Muslim, used two Qurans during his swearing-in, including one passed down from his grandfather and another once owned by Arturo Schomburg, the Black historian whose collection helped found the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Supporters said the choice reflected New York’s religious and cultural diversity.

The decision drew criticism from Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R), who condemned the moment in a post on X, writing, “The enemy is inside the gates.” Mamdani has also faced broader political opposition from Republicans and Democrats over campaign pledges such as rent freezes, free child care, and free public transportation. Republican Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) criticized those proposals as unworkable, arguing they resemble failed socialist policies.

Previously, the UOJ reported on the bipartisan attempt to thwart Mamdani's gubernatorial campaign. 

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