In response to news of an arrest made in connection with a plot to assassinate Nerdeen Kiswani, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the following statement:
Last night, an alleged member of the Jewish Defense League-designated by the FBI as a "known violent extremist organization"-attempted to blow up the home of Nerdeen Kiswani in a chilling act of political violence and an apparent assassination plot. The defendant allegedly planned to flee to Israel following the attack.
This comes amidst an alarming rise in threats and violence across the country targeting Palestinian human rights advocates.
I am thankful that the NYPD and FBI thwarted this plot, which could have endangered Nerdeen's life and those of other New Yorkers.
Let me be clear: We will not tolerate violent extremism in our city. No one should face violence for their political beliefs or their advocacy. I am relieved that Nerdeen is safe.
Our city must meet hate with solidarity, and meet fear with an unshakable commitment to justice and to one another.
