Republican New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino is facing intense backlash after a social media post suggested that Western nations should expel Muslims following a deadly antisemitic attack in Bondi Beach, Australia.
Over the weekend, two gunmen killed 15 people and injured more than 40 during Hanukkah celebrations. Paladino characterized the attack as part of a “global jihad” and called for Western governments to implement strict measures against Muslim populations.
The post, shared on X and later deleted, urged the creation of legal frameworks for denaturalization, warning that without decisive action, incidents “like another 9/11 or worse” could occur. Paladino framed her statements as a warning against terrorism.
City leaders quickly condemned the remarks.
Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim who won election in November, described the post as “vile Islamophobia” and insisted that such rhetoric “has no place in our city.”
City Comptroller Brad Lander called for formal censure, labeling Paladino’s statements “disgusting—and utterly unacceptable.”
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams added that the councilwoman’s comments undermined public trust.
“How can someone claim to represent New Yorkers when they show such hatred toward a million of them?” he said.
Paladino defended herself, citing free speech protections and accusing progressive critics of double standards.
She argued that left-leaning accounts routinely spread “toxic, violent, and anti-American rhetoric,” yet she alone faced calls for discipline.
Paladino called her detractors “the PR wing and defense attorneys for radical Islam,” according to BizPac Review.
The City Council Progressive Caucus joined calls for action, asking the Committee on Standards & Ethics to investigate and fast-track a censure vote.
Members described Paladino’s behavior as part of a recurring pattern of inflammatory and racist statements that threaten both public trust and the safety of Muslim New Yorkers.
Brooklyn Council Member Shahana Hanif, one of only two Muslim council members, criticized what she called selective accountability, arguing that Paladino’s post reflects a culture where some communities’ safety and dignity are undervalued.
Council Member Sandy Nurse echoed concerns, calling for leaders who genuinely reflect the city’s diversity.
Paladino, representing parts of Queens, first gained widespread attention in 2017 after confronting former Mayor Bill de Blasio in a viral video, AMNY notes.
Since then, she has built a reputation for provocative and controversial remarks, including repeated criticism of Mayor-elect Mamdani and other Muslim residents.
Outgoing City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams condemned Paladino’s statements as “hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric that threatens the safety of us all” and urged disciplinary action.
Despite these calls, Paladino’s X account continues to feature content critical of Muslims.
Australian authorities confirmed the Bondi Beach attack was carried out by a father and son acting independently, with no apparent links to organized networks.
Among those praised for bravery was Muslim bystander Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who helped protect victims during the attack.
The controversy highlights the tension between elected officials’ free speech rights and their responsibility to maintain public safety and trust.
As New Yorkers and city leaders grapple with Paladino’s remarks, broader debates over accountability, political expression and social media responsibility are likely to intensify.
