Introduction to the Case
A Plano man appeared Thursday in a New York City court after prosecutors said he left threatening voicemails for Zohran Mamdani, a New York state assemblyman and mayoral candidate. According to court records and a news release from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Jeremy Fistel, 44, was indicted earlier this month on multiple charges. The release said Fistel left anti-Muslim messages at Mamdani’s office in June and July.
The Charges Against Fistel
Fistel was charged with 22 counts, which includes four counts of making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, four counts of making a terroristic threat, seven counts of aggravated harassment as a hate crime and seven counts of aggravated harassment. An attorney listed for Fistel did not return a message and email left Thursday afternoon seeking comment. If convicted, Fistel faces up to 15 years in prison.
The Threatening Messages
The messages were first reported to police June 18, the release said. Fistel was arrested in Texas last week and extradited to New York on Wednesday, the release said. The release said Fistel first called Mamdani’s office and left a voicemail about 11:30 a.m. June 11. The message told Mamdani to “go back to f—— Uganda before someone shoots you in the f—— head and gets rid of your whole f—— family too,” the release said.
Further Threats and Harassment
In a voicemail left June 18, Fistel is accused of saying Mamdani was not welcome in the United States or New York and told him to watch his back. Both messages included anti-Muslim statements, the release said. In a written message submitted July 8, Fistel is alleged to have written that he hopes Mamdani gets “terminal cancer” and dies a painful death. He also allegedly wrote that he would “love” to see Mamdani killed by the Israeli Defense Force and that it would be “even better” if Mamdani had to watch his wife and children murdered.
The Impact of the Threats
“I hope you all die painful sudden deaths,“ the message said. ”Do us all a favor and kill yourself.” In a voicemail left July 23, Fistel allegedly said Mamdani and his family deserved to die and that he hoped Mamdani would be sexually assaulted. These threatening messages have caused concern and alarm for Mamdani and his family, and highlight the need for increased protection and support for public figures who may be targeted by hate crimes.
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Mamdani, 33, has been a member of New York’s State Assembly, representing Queens since 2021. Earlier this year, he defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary in New York City’s mayoral race and is currently considered the front-runner in the race. Mamdani’s candidacy has drawn attention from throughout the country, with focus drawn to his Muslim faith and democratic-socialist positions.
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Conclusion
The case of Jeremy Fistel and his threatening messages to Zohran Mamdani highlights the importance of addressing hate crimes and protecting public figures from harassment and intimidation. It is crucial that we take these threats seriously and provide support and protection to those who may be targeted. By staying informed and engaged, we can work towards creating a safer and more just community for everyone.
FAQs
Q: Who is Jeremy Fistel and what is he charged with?
A: Jeremy Fistel is a 44-year-old man from Plano who is charged with 22 counts, including making terroristic threats as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.
Q: Who is Zohran Mamdani and why was he targeted?
A: Zohran Mamdani is a New York state assemblyman and mayoral candidate who was targeted by Fistel with threatening and anti-Muslim messages.
Q: What are the possible consequences for Fistel if he is convicted?
A: If convicted, Fistel faces up to 15 years in prison.
Q: How can I stay informed about crime and public safety news?
A: You can read the crime and public safety news your neighbors are talking about by signing up for updates and agreeing to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Q: What can be done to prevent hate crimes and protect public figures from harassment?
A: It is crucial that we take these threats seriously and provide support and protection to those who may be targeted, and work towards creating a safer and more just community for everyone.
