as new york city In preparation for the annual Israel Day parade, political commentator Laura Loomer took to social media to add new controversy to an event already taking place amid heightened tensions.
What Laura Loomer said
far right activists and Donald Trump Ally Laura Loomer posted a provocative message about the march and New York City’s new mayor on X, Zoran Mamdani.
she wrote: “Today there is a march for Israel in New York City. Don’t be shocked if Mamdani allows one of his Muslim supporters to shoot into the venue, or if Iranian proxies or Islamic jihadists living in the United States detonate a bomb at the march… In my opinion, Mamdani would love to see that happen.”
The post attracted attention given that Mamdani had already announced that he would not attend the march.
Why didn’t Mamdani attend?
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed Thursday that he will not participate in Sunday’s Israel Day Parade on Fifth Avenue, the first mayor in more than 60 years to skip the event.
He made the announcement during a news conference with Police Chief Jessica Tisch.
“I said during the campaign that I would not participate in the march, and I have made my views on the Israeli government very clear,” Mamdani said.
Mamdani, who describes himself as pro-Palestinian and accuses the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza, made clear that his absence would not affect the city’s responsibility to keep people safe.
“I also said during that same campaign event that as mayor it was my responsibility to keep every New Yorker safe,” according to multiple reports.
However, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and former Mayor Eric Adams are expected to attend the parade, Fox5 NY reported.
Also read: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wears Arsenal jersey to celebrate Eid al-Fitr
Largest security operation in parade history
According to Fox5 NY, Police Commissioner Jessica Tish said that the New York Police Department will deploy the largest security operation ever for the Israel Day Parade, although there are currently no known specific or credible threats.
“New Yorkers will see the NYPD’s most extensive security plan for the Tribute to Israel Parade, including the largest number of officers ever assigned to this detail,” Tisch said.
Security measures will include counter-terrorism teams, heavy weapons units, camera surveillance and screening of spectators, vendors, participants and members of the media.
When asked about Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision not to participate, Tish said: “It was the mayor’s decision not to march and it was my decision to march with pride.”
Also read: Trump and Oman: Why US threatens Muscat in Iran, Strait of Hormuz talks
Parade details
The Israel Day Parade will take place Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., stretching along Fifth Avenue from 62nd Street to 74th Street.
This year’s parade was themed “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists” to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the founding of Israel.
Viewing areas will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with entrances located off Madison Avenue at East 61st Street, 63rd Street, 66th Street, 70th Street and 73rd Street. According to Fox5 NY, after the parade began, pedestrians could only cross Fifth Avenue at East 51st Street, 59th Street and 79th Street.
The Israel Day Parade was first held in 1964 to celebrate the founding of the state of Israel, but the route was much shorter at that time. The first official full-scale parade was held a year later, establishing the tradition of marching down Fifth Avenue.
