Mamdani under renewed scrutiny after intern tied to anti-Israel activism

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing renewed scrutiny after it was revealed that a Hunter College graduate who was filmed tearing down posters depicting Israeli hostages later worked as an intern in his office.

Frances Hamed, a Hunter College and Macaulay Honors College graduate, drew international attention after being filmed removing posters of Israeli hostages days after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks that killed more than 1,200 people, abducted about 250 and wounded thousands. In the video, as she realized she was being filmed, Hamed attempted to cover her face and shouted, "Stop harassing us… you are not allowed to put those [posters] there… you cannot post them." She has been identified by the New York Post and Canary Mission. She also attended a rally organized by Samidoun, a group labeled by the Office of Foreign Asset Control as a "sham charity" that raises money for terrorism.

Hamed served as a constituent services intern for Mamdani from February to May 2025, according to her LinkedIn profile. She is the second Mamdani intern linked to radical anti-Israel activism. Former Mamdani intern Hadeeqa Malik, who worked in communications, outreach and policy, previously said activism was "all Jihad." "The true believer knows that none of this is in vain, that this is all Jihad," Malik said.

The development adds to concerns about Mamdani's stances on Israel. The candidate has expressed support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and backs New York City permanently divesting from Israel bonds. He has also faced questions about the slogan "Globalize The Intifada," which he has not condemned outright but has said he would discourage.

After the Oct. 7 attacks, Mamdani issued a statement that many observers interpreted as not condemning Hamas and instead described Israel as an "apartheid" state. Campaign aides have argued his position reflects opposition to Israeli government policies rather than endorsement of violence.

Mamdani has also associated with left-wing influencer Hasan Piker, who has made controversial remarks, including saying America "deserved 9/11." Mamdani sat down with Piker for an interview in April.

Hamed did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Fox News Digital also reached out to Mamdani's mayoral campaign and his Assembly office; neither responded.

David Spector is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to david.spector@fox.com.