Radical Socialist Backed by Mamdani Wins Queens Primary Despite Resurfaced Video Downplaying 9/11
Aber Kawas, daughter of a deported illegal immigrant convicted of fraud, blamed American capitalism for the September 11 terror attacks.
In a deeply concerning development for the political landscape of New York, a radical far-left candidate backed by socialist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani has won the Democratic primary for New York State Senate District 12 in Queens. Aber Kawas, a self-described democratic socialist and community organizer, secured the nomination despite the resurfacing of a highly controversial social media clip. In the recording, Kawas appears to suggest that the United States deserved the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, raising serious questions about her patriotism.
The unearthed remarks were made during a 2017 appearance on a podcast produced by the Asian American Writers' Association. The episode, titled "Islamophobia beyond 9/11 with Aber Kawas," featured the future Democratic nominee outlining her radical worldview, which places the blame for the horrific terrorist attacks on American systems rather than the radical Islamic terrorists who executed them. Her commentary represents a broader trend of anti-American rhetoric gaining mainstream traction within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
"The system of capitalism and racism and white supremacy… and Islamophobia, have all been used to colonize lands, to take resources from other people and so this is a long trajectory and we're just seeing the manifestations of that continuation with 9/11," Kawas asserted in the video. By attributing the murder of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans to domestic economic and social systems, Kawas’s comments have drawn sharp condemnation from national security experts and victims' advocacy groups.
Kawas went on to explicitly downplay the horrific terror attacks by comparing them to historical grievances, suggesting that criticizing the attacks is hypocritical. "The idea we have to apologize for a terror attack that a couple of people did and then there is no apology or reparations for genocides and for slavery… is something I find reprehensible," she said. This attempt to minimize the tragedy of 9/11 has fueled outrage among New Yorkers who remember the devastation firsthand.
When confronted with her past statements during a November 2025 interview, Kawas attempted to dismiss the controversy as a right-wing conspiracy, calling them "cherry-picked comments." On Thursday morning, she told Fox News Digital that her remarks were simply a defense of Muslim Americans against collective guilt. However, critics argue that her explanation fails to address her explicit characterization of 9/11 as a predictable "manifestation" and "continuation" of American capitalism and racism.
"Our resounding victory this week shows that the people of Queens simply don’t buy into this kind of desperate, Islamophobic smear, and want leaders in office who aren’t afraid to call out bigotry, racism, and double standards," Kawas claimed following her victory. This defensive rhetoric is common among far-left candidates who utilize identity politics to shield themselves from legitimate scrutiny regarding their radical ideological positions and controversial public statements.
Kawas’s background further highlights her alignment with radical causes and controversial organizations. She has reportedly been affiliated with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an organization that has been designated as a terrorist group in some U.S. states and foreign nations. Additionally, she has served as the Youth Activities Director for the Arab-American Association of New York, using her platform to organize rallies and demand radical shifts in both local law enforcement and national security policies.
Her campaign was heavily focused on anti-Israel activism, making the situation in Gaza a central pillar of her platform. In her primary victory speech, Kawas focused on foreign policy rather than local issues, declaring that "another world is possible," which she defined as "a world where Gaza is free to live." She has also aligned herself with other radical progressives, including Representative Claire Valdez, protesting in New York City to demand socialist economic policies like housing rent freezes.
Kawas's personal background also reflects a disregard for American law. She is the daughter of Abdelkareem Kawas, a Jordanian national who arrived in the United States on a temporary tourist visa in 1989 and illegally overstayed. He was later convicted of real estate fraud, served a prison sentence, and was subsequently deported. Rather than distancing herself from this criminal legacy, Kawas has frequently highlighted her family's immigration struggles to bolster her activist credentials.
The rise of candidates like Kawas, whom conservative commentators like Laura Ingraham label "mini Mamdanis," highlights a significant leftward shift within the Democratic Party. This radical movement not only threatens traditional American values and national security but also targets moderate establishment figures like House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. As these socialist candidates continue to win primaries in deeply blue districts, the future of the Democratic Party appears increasingly defined by extreme, anti-American ideologies.
This victory poses a severe challenge for moderate voters who are concerned about the normalization of anti-American and anti-capitalist sentiments. The success of the socialist faction in New York demonstrates the urgent need for a return to principled governance, secure borders, and respect for law and order. As the general election approaches, Kawas's record will remain a key point of discussion for those hoping to defend traditional American liberties.
