Brad Lander, a Democratic congressional nominee, faced protests outside Madison Square Garden on Saturday during a speech by Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which has been criticized for its treatment of religious minorities. Video footage showed Lander attempting to join the demonstration against Bhagwat but being heckled by protesters with antisemitic remarks, leading him to leave for his safety.
Lander, who is Jewish and has described himself as a "liberal Zionist," was confronted by demonstrators who expressed their opposition to his presence at the protest. One protester was recorded yelling at Lander, indicating that his support was not welcome. The group of protesters called for the cancellation of Bhagwat's event, citing concerns over the RSS's ideology.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani had previously condemned the event, labeling RSS ideology as exclusionary. He stated that the city lacked the jurisdiction to cancel a private event but expressed concern over the rise of exclusionary movements. Mamdani, who has Indian heritage, emphasized the importance of a pluralistic society.
Protest signs outside the venue highlighted accusations against Modi's India regarding violence against various religious groups. Peter Friedrich, an independent journalist, criticized Mamdani for not directly naming the RSS in his opposition. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has accused the RSS of involvement in violence against minority groups, a claim the RSS disputes, describing itself as a cultural movement aimed at uniting Hindus. The New York Post reached out to Lander for comment but did not receive an immediate response.