Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo escalated his mayoral campaign attacks Thursday by suggesting that front-runner Zohran Mamdani would “cheer” if another 9/11 attack occurred, comments that drew immediate condemnation for being racist and Islamophobic.

Cuomo made the remarks during a conservative radio interview as he seeks to attract Republican voters to close his double-digit polling gap with Mamdani ahead of Election Day.

Mamdani, who would be the city’s first Muslim mayor if elected, called the comments “disgusting” and said they denigrate all Muslim New Yorkers.

Cuomo’s campaign defended the statement by linking it to Mamdani’s past association with streamer Hasan Piker, who had made controversial 9/11 remarks, though Mamdani has publicly condemned Piker’s comments. Politico has reported.

The exchange is part of a broader strategy by Cuomo focusing on law-and-order messaging, Mamdani’s stance on Israel, and attempts to appeal across party lines, though some campaign tactics, including a racially charged AI-generated ad, have sparked backlash.