Texas Man Makes Terroristic Threats Against New York’s Mamdani

A man from Texas has been charged with sending terroristic threats to and calling for the death of Zohran Mamdani, a New York mayoral candidate, and his family.

The man even went so far as to say, "I hope you all die painful and sudden deaths. Do us all a favor and kill yourself," according to the Queens DA Office.

Who is Zohran Mamdani?

Democratic socialist and New York State Representative Zohran Mamdani is currently running for the office of Mayor after winning the 2025 Democratic primary against former governor Andrew Cuomo.

Mamdani was born in Uganda to two Indian parents before moving to New York when he was seven where he has lived ever since.

The NY State Rep. lives with his wife in the state and has recently been targeted in a terroristic threat from a disgruntled Texan.

Terroristic Threat Towards Mamdani

Through the months of June and July of 2025, 44-year-old Jeremy Fistel from Plano, TX, allegedly left multiple voicemails for Mamdani calling for his immediate death.

In a press release from the Queens District Attorney's Office, Fistel is charged with 22 separate counts ranging from making terroristic threats to aggravated harassment towards the mayoral candidate.

On June 11, Fistel allegedly left a voicemail for Mamdani warning him that he should return to Uganda before he gets shot in the head and his entire family dies. Fistel is accused also of using incendiary language and telling Mamdani that he, along with all other Muslims, "don't belong here."

Then, on June 18, Fistel allegedly left more messages calling Mamdani a terrorist and someone who needs to be sexually assaulted before being killed and buried six feet under.

Jeremy Fistel's Criminal Charges

Fistel was arrested on September 11 in Texas before being sent to Queens to face his pending charges which included the following:

• 4 counts of making a terroristic threat as a hate crime
• 4 counts of making a terroristic threat
• 7 counts of aggravated harassment in the second degree as a hate crime
• 7 counts of aggravated harassment in the second degree

Fistel posted his $30,000 bond and is expected back in court on November 19.

Texas Man's Defense Against His Charges

The 44-year-old, during his trial, agreed that his messages were not proper, but he claimed they were still protected speech. He also apologized for his actions:

I am sorry. Stupidity is not fun. Sometimes you get ashamed of yourself.

If convicted of his charges, Jeremy Fistel could face up to 60 years in prison. The presiding judge also forbade Fistel from coming anywhere near Mamdani, his home, or his office.