Cuomo rips Mamdani's victim narrative, says Dem socialist is 'offender' against 9/11 families, Jews and more

"He claims that he is the victim of attacks because he is a Muslim. Nothing could be further from the truth. He is not a victim, he is the offender," Cuomo said Saturday. "This entire campaign, he has been dividing and attacking and offending different New York groups."

He then took issue with Mamdani's refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada," which many see as a call for violence against Jewish people. Mamdani has faced criticism for his refusal to condemn the phrase early in the mayoral race.

After condemning Mamdani's gesture toward the Columbus statue and invoking its offense to Italian Americans, Cuomo broadened his criticism. He pointed to a photo of Mamdani with a Ugandan official who backs harsh anti-gay laws, framing it as an affront to the LGBTQ community.

"You offend 9/11 families. You offend every New Yorker because 9/11 was an attack on all New Yorkers, and it traumatized all New Yorkers. So, no, he's not the victim. He is the offender, and he has done a great deal of damage," Cuomo said.

On Friday, Mamdani accused Cuomo of using "Islamophobic rhetoric" after the former governor joined a radio show in which the host said Mamdani would be "cheering" if New York City faced another 9/11-style attack.

"While my opponents in this race have brought hatred to the forefront, this is just a glimpse of what so many have to endure every day across the city," Mamdani said. "And while it would be easy for us to say that this is not who we are as a city, we know the truth. This is who we have allowed ourselves to become."

New Yorkers began casting their ballots Saturday and have until Nov. 4 at 9 p.m. to decide which of the three candidates - Cuomo, Mamdani or Republican Curtis Sliwa - will be the next to lead America's most populous city.

Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani's campaign for comment.

Fox News Digital's Deirdre Heavey contributed to this report.