URGENT UPDATE: New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set for a dramatic swearing-in ceremony on January 1, 2024, featuring progressive heavyweight Senator Bernie Sanders. The event marks a significant moment for Mamdani, who will be sworn in by New York state Attorney General Letitia James at midnight before a public ceremony at 1 p.m.
Mamdani expressed his admiration for both leaders, stating, “It would be an honor to be sworn in by two leaders I have admired for years: Attorney General Tish James and Senator Bernie Sanders.” He emphasized their roles in advocating for justice and the working class, declaring, “Sen. Bernie Sanders laid the foundations for our movement.”
The inauguration event is expected to attract a crowd of 4,000 attendees, showcasing a block party on Broadway from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that is open to the public. This celebration reflects a new chapter in the city’s governance, with Mamdani promising a leadership style rooted in “courage, integrity, and solidarity.”
However, the ceremony has drawn criticism. Editorials label it as “taxpayer-funded theater” amid rising crime and challenges facing New York City’s housing authority. Critics highlight that Mamdani’s administration includes controversial figures, such as Julie Su, whom they describe as a radical choice for deputy mayor for economic justice.
In a powerful statement, Sanders reinforced Mamdani’s significance: “His victory is not just about one city or one election, but about the strength of a working-class movement that says unequivocally: the future of New York belongs to the people.”
Adding to the controversy, Mamdani faced backlash last week when one of his appointees resigned after past anti-Semitic posts resurfaced on social media. Catherine Almonte Da Costa, his Director of Appointments, had shared alarming comments, intensifying scrutiny on Mamdani’s transition team.
As the swearing-in draws near, all eyes will be on Mamdani and his vision for New York City. The inauguration promises to set the tone for his administration, a beacon of progressive ideals or a divisive spectacle, as the city grapples with pressing issues that affect millions.
Stay tuned for live updates and reactions as this historic event unfolds.
