Congressman: DHS must deny Zohran Mamdani a security clearance
Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) has led a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging her department to deny New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani a federal security clearance.
Congressman Biggs’s letter makes clear that Mamdani’s conduct is a consistent, years-long pattern that should disqualify him from ever accessing classified information. There is a well-documented record of conduct that raises serious national security concerns, including:
• Co-founding Students for Justice in Palestine, the group that hailed the October 7 Hamas massacre as an “historic win” and openly called for “armed confrontation;”
• Cheering violent uprisings, appearing at rallies that celebrate “resistance by any means necessary,” and defending “Globalize the Intifada,” a slogan calling for violent unrest across the world;
• Undermining counterterrorism, including blaming the FBI for the radicalization of al Qaeda terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki – a talking point favored by anti-American propagandists;
• Standing alongside clerics who prayed for the destruction of Israel’s supporters and praised Hamas fighters;
• Smearing the NYPD, repeatedly calling officers “racist, anti-queer, and a major threat to public safety,” and being arrested for disorderly conduct during a protest; and
• Demanding that the NYPD be defunded, even as he seeks a position that requires working directly with the department and federal partners.
“Mamdani has a well-established pattern of siding with extremists, undermining U.S. counterterrorism efforts, demonizing law enforcement, and legitimizing violent movements,” said Congressman Biggs.
“He has spent years defending extremists, attacking American law enforcement, and aligning himself with individuals who praise terrorists. Putting classified material in his hands would be a direct threat to NYPD officers, federal agents, and the security of this country.
“Security clearances are reserved for individuals who can be trusted with the nation’s most sensitive materials – a standard Mamdani doesn’t come close to meeting. His record is a bold red warning flag. DHS must reject his request without hesitation.”
Cosigners of the letter include: Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Keith Self (R-TX), and Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN).
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