A New York state lawmaker is calling on the Department of Justice to open a civil rights investigation into New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani following two Manhattan stabbings being investigated as possible hate crimes.

New York State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, who represents Brooklyn’s District 45, announced the request Sunday during an End Jew Hatred rally in New York City.

Alongside video of his announcement, Novakhov wrote on Instagram:

“If the DOJ stepped in to protect Jewish students at Columbia, it must now step in to protect Jewish New Yorkers.”

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Lawmaker Demands Federal Investigation

Novakhov said he would send a formal letter asking the Justice Department to investigate New York State, New York City, and Mamdani.

He specifically called on federal officials “and most importantly to investigate Mamdani’s hatred against the Jewish population of New York City and New York State.”

Mamdani’s office did not immediately issue a response.

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The demand followed two stabbing attacks Thursday on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, a neighborhood with a significant Jewish population.

The victims were identified in media reports as Chok Sung, 57, and Moshe Grunhaus, 50.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said both men were in stable condition.

Authorities identified the suspect as Raul Morales, 51, who is accused of shouting “Allahu Akbar” while stabbing the two men Thursday afternoon.

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The attacks occurred on Tisha B’Av, a Jewish day of mourning commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

“Jewish New Yorkers should not have to hide their Stars of David, tuck away their kippahs, or fear walking their own streets,” Novakhov wrote.

“The Jewish community deserves answers. No one is above the law,” he added.

Mamdani’s Anti-Israel Remarks Draw Scrutiny

Jewish leaders have also condemned Mamdani over his repeated attacks on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mamdani has called Netanyahu “a war criminal” and “the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.”

He has also said that although New York City Hall lacks the authority to arrest Netanyahu, the Israeli leader should be held accountable under an International Criminal Court warrant.

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The United States is not a member of the ICC, and the international body has no jurisdiction within the country.

Novakhov’s request now places additional pressure on federal authorities to determine whether New York officials have adequately protected Jewish residents amid rising concerns over antisemitic violence.

READ MORE – Fetterman Warns Mamdani ‘Admires’ Islamic ‘Terrorists’