Historic Oath: Zohran Mamdani Sworn in as NYC's First Muslim Mayor with Quranic Ceremony

Zohran Mamdani made history early Thursday morning when he was sworn in as New York City's first Muslim mayor. The ceremony took place at the historic City Hall subway station, a decommissioned landmark with stunning arched ceilings. Mamdani, a Democrat, placed his hand on the Quran as he took his oath, marking a significant milestone for the city. Mamdani's inauguration speech emphasized the importance of public transit to the city's vitality and legacy. He also announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as the new Department of Transportation commissioner. The ceremony was a precursor to a grand public inauguration at City Hall later in the day, where Mamdani will be sworn in by US Senator Bernie Sanders. Mamdani's historic election makes him the first Muslim leader, the first of South Asian descent, and the first born in Africa to hold the position. His campaign focused on affordability and transformative change, including promises of free child care, free buses, and a rent freeze for over a million households. Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, will soon relocate from their rent-stabilized apartment to the mayoral residence in Manhattan.