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Pro-Palestine Protest Video Falsely Linked to NYC Mayor Mamdani’s Election
A video showing a man removing the American flag from a lamppost in New York City has been widely circulated on social media with claims connecting it to Zohran Mamdani’s recent mayoral victory. However, a fact-check reveals the footage predates Mamdani’s election by nearly two years, highlighting how misinformation can spread during politically significant moments.
The 34-year-old Mamdani made history on November 4, 2025, becoming New York City’s first Muslim mayor after defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in a closely watched race. Shortly after his victory, social media posts began connecting his election to the video, suggesting it showed Muslim supporters celebrating by removing American flags.
Investigation into the footage reveals it actually originated during pro-Palestine demonstrations that took place in Manhattan on November 10, 2023. A reverse image search led to posts dated November 11, 2023, clearly identifying the incident as part of these protests. Fox News and several other major news outlets reported on the event at the time, noting that Grand Central Terminal was temporarily closed due to the demonstrations.
According to the Fox News report, the protester climbed a streetpost near Grand Central Terminal to remove American and United Nations flags during the demonstration. The report included photographs showing New York Police Department officers later detaining the individual responsible for removing the flags.
Multiple credible media sources documented the November 2023 protests, which were organized in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict that had escalated the previous month. The demonstrations were part of a wider movement across major U.S. cities expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
The false connection between the video and Mamdani’s election appears to be part of a pattern of misinformation that often emerges following significant political developments. By presenting an old, unrelated incident as current news, such posts can create misleading narratives about political figures and their supporters.
Mamdani, who previously served in the New York State Assembly representing parts of Queens, ran on a progressive platform focused on affordable housing, public transportation improvements, and criminal justice reform. His historic victory represents a significant milestone for Muslim Americans in public office, particularly in a city as globally prominent as New York.
The incident underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing content online, especially during politically sensitive periods. Digital literacy experts recommend using reverse image search tools, checking publication dates, and consulting multiple credible news sources to verify claims before accepting them as accurate.
Social media companies have implemented various measures to combat misinformation on their platforms, though misleading content continues to spread rapidly, particularly during election cycles and times of heightened political tension.
The false narrative surrounding this video serves as a reminder of how easily decontextualized media can be repurposed to support unrelated political claims, and highlights the continuing challenges of maintaining accurate information flows in the digital age.
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9 Comments
This case highlights the need for increased media literacy and critical thinking skills among the public. We must all be vigilant in verifying information before sharing or acting on it.
It’s concerning to see how easily misinformation can gain traction, especially around important electoral events. Fact-checking and media literacy are vital to maintaining an informed citizenry.
Interesting how misinformation can spread so quickly, especially around politically charged events. It’s important to verify the facts before jumping to conclusions.
This is a good example of how important it is to verify the context and timeline of media before sharing or commenting on it. Jumping to conclusions can lead to the spread of harmful misinformation.
This is a good reminder to be cautious about blindly accepting social media claims, especially when they involve sensitive political or social issues. Fact-checking is crucial.
Absolutely. Responsible reporting and critical thinking are essential to combat the spread of disinformation.
The ability to quickly debunk false claims and provide the correct context is crucial in the digital age. Kudos to the journalists who took the time to investigate the origins of this video.
Agreed. Fact-checking and responsible reporting are essential to counter the proliferation of misinformation online.
The video predating the election by nearly two years highlights how old footage can be misrepresented and manipulated for political agendas. Vigilance is needed to spot such misleading narratives.