Assembly Member's Intern Identified in Viral NYPD Confrontation Video

New York City – An intern for State Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, identified as Sumaya Awad, has been linked to a viral video showing a heated confrontation with a Muslim NYPD officer during a recent protest in Brooklyn. The incident, which occurred amidst demonstrations related to ongoing conflicts, depicts Awad shouting at the officer who was reportedly engaged in de-escalation efforts and preventing property damage. The revelation has sparked public discussion regarding the conduct of political staffers during public gatherings.

The confrontation gained widespread attention after a tweet by Eyal Yakoby claimed, > "BREAKING: The Islamist who screamed at a Muslim NYPD officer for stopping rioters from burning down NYC has been revealed as an intern for Zohran Mamdani." Yakoby further asserted, > "These are the lunatics who’ll run the city if he becomes mayor." This social media post highlighted the intern's connection to the Assembly Member and fueled debate over the nature of the protest.

Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani has since addressed the incident involving his intern. While Mamdani is a known advocate for the right to protest and has frequently participated in demonstrations supporting Palestinian rights, he emphasized that he does not condone disrespect towards law enforcement. His office has acknowledged the video and stated they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

Sumaya Awad's background includes activism and advocacy, particularly concerning Palestinian rights. Her involvement in the viral incident has drawn scrutiny to the intersection of political internships, public protest, and interactions with law enforcement. The protest itself was part of broader demonstrations in New York City concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict, which have at times seen clashes between demonstrators and police.

Mamdani, who represents a district with a significant Arab and Muslim population in Queens, has been a vocal critic of certain Israeli policies and has publicly called for a ceasefire in Gaza. His political stance aligns with a segment of progressive lawmakers in New York City advocating for human rights and de-escalation in the Middle East. The incident involving his intern adds a new dimension to the public discourse surrounding political figures and their staff's participation in contentious public events.