New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is facing sharp criticism after announcing a controversial appointment to one of the city’s top legal roles.
On Tuesday, Mamdani revealed that Ramzi Kassem will serve as a senior legal advisor in his incoming administration. The decision immediately sparked backlash due to Kassem’s past legal work.
Critics point to Kassem’s defense of an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist and his long record of anti-Israel activism.
Lawyer Previously Defended al-Qaeda Operative
Kassem previously served as defense counsel for Ahmed al-Darbi, an al-Qaeda operative and close associate of Osama bin Laden.
Al-Darbi was convicted for helping orchestrate the 2002 bombing of a French oil tanker off the coast of Yemen. The attack injured crew members and caused major environmental damage.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. government, and al-Darbi later pleaded guilty in a military commission proceeding.
Reuters reporting on al-Darbi case
Opponents of the appointment argue that defending an al-Qaeda figure makes Kassem unfit for a senior legal role in New York City.
Recent Involvement in Anti-Israel Activism
In 2025, Kassem represented Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent anti-Israel activist linked to student protests at Columbia University.
Those demonstrations targeted Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, a war involving key U.S. ally Israel.
The Trump administration previously labeled Khalil a national security concern, according to federal officials.
Mamdani Defends His Choice
Despite the criticism, Mamdani praised Kassem’s legal background and activism.
“Welcome to a new era, Ramzi Kassem,” Mamdani wrote on X. He highlighted Kassem’s work defending students detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Mamdani said Kassem’s experience made him a strong fit for City Hall.
“I will turn to Ramzi for his remarkable experience and his commitment to defending those too often abandoned by our legal system,” Mamdani said.
Kassem Calls Appointment a Duty to Serve
Kassem described the role as a personal mission.
He said New York City gave him stability after growing up in war-torn regions of the Middle East.
“This is an opportunity for me to repay that debt,” Kassem said. “New York City was my first permanent home.”
He emphasized his immigrant background and commitment to public service.
Past Writings Resurface
Following the announcement, older writings by Kassem resurfaced online.
In 1999, he wrote a letter to the Columbia Spectator criticizing a campus menu item called an “Israeli wrap,” arguing the name offended Arabs and Muslims.
In a 2000 opinion piece, Kassem wrote that Israel had no legitimate right to protect Jewish settlers in the West Bank city of Nablus.
Those views have reignited concerns among Jewish organizations and pro-Israel advocates.
Law Clinic Focused on Counterterrorism Cases
Kassem founded the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability and Responsibility clinic.
According to its website, the clinic focuses on representing Muslim communities targeted by counterterrorism and national security investigations.
CUNY School of Law information
Supporters say the work protects civil liberties. Critics say it raises red flags.
Other Appointments Announced
Alongside Kassem’s appointment, Mamdani also named Steven Banks as corporation counsel.
Helen Arteaga was selected as deputy mayor for health and human services.
The controversy surrounding Kassem has already overshadowed those announcements.
Political Fallout Continues
The appointment has deepened political divisions as Mamdani prepares to take office.
Republicans and some Democrats have called for the decision to be reconsidered.
For now, Mamdani appears unmoved by the backlash.
As scrutiny intensifies, the controversy may shape the early days of his administration and test his promise of a “new era” for New York City.