Zohran Mamdani inaugurated as New York City mayor at grand public ceremony

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Zohran Mamdani was publicly sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City on Thursday during a public ceremony at City Hall, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian to lead the largest US city, after taking the oath of office on the Quran hours earlier.

The oath was administered for a second time by US Senator Bernie Sanders, democratic socialist senator from Vermont, who supported Mamdani’s progressive campaign promises.

“I promise you this. If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor. Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you,” Mamdani told the crowd that included supporters, city officials and his family.

“​​I was elected as a Democratic socialist. and I will govern as a Democratic socialist. I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical,” he added, reiterating campaign promises that include universal childcare and rent freezes.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive Democratic member of Congress, delivered introductory remarks.

Meanwhile, Mark Levine was sworn in as New York City’s 52nd Comptroller, and Jumaane Williams as Public Advocate.

The ceremony followed an earlier, symbolic private swearing-in held just after midnight at Manhattan’s historic Old City Hall subway station.