Tue Jul 01 20:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Republican Representative Brandon Gill ignited controversy after telling New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim and of Indian descent, to “go back to the Third World” because he was eating with his hands in a video. The video, dating back to 2023, showed Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, discussing how his upbringing shaped his understanding of the Palestinian struggle. Gill’s remark, along with similar comments from far-right figures like Laura Loomer and Marina Medvin, drew criticism and accusations of racism and Islamophobia. Supporters of Mamdani and commentators highlighted that eating with one’s hands is common globally, even in America, and denounced the prejudice displayed in the comments.
**News Article:**
**GOP Congressman Sparks Outrage with Racist Attack on NYC Mayoral Candidate**
**LONDON** – Republican Representative Brandon Gill has come under fire for telling New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to “go back to the Third World” after a video surfaced showing Mamdani eating with his hands. The remark, posted on X (formerly Twitter), has ignited a firestorm of controversy and accusations of racism and Islamophobia.
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist who recently won the Democratic mayoral primary, would be the city’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor if elected in November. The video, taken during a 2023 interview, shows Mamdani discussing his upbringing in Uganda and South Africa and how it shaped his views on the Palestinian struggle.
Gill’s comment, “If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World,” drew swift condemnation. Far-right activist Laura Loomer and conservative attorney Marina Medvin also chimed in with disparaging remarks about Mamdani’s eating habits, further fueling the outrage.
Critics were quick to point out the prevalence of eating with one’s hands across various cultures, including in the United States. Corey Saylor of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the remarks as “hysterical racism and Islamophobia.” Others noted the hypocrisy of criticizing Mamdani when many Americans eat foods like pizza and tacos with their hands.
Karthik Soora highlighted the irony, pointing out that Gill’s wife is South Indian and likely grew up eating with her hands.
The incident underscores the increasingly polarized political climate in New York City as the mayoral race heats up. Voters will head to the polls on November 4th to decide the city’s next leader.
*Newsweek has reached out to Gill’s office and the Mamdani campaign for comment.*
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