SECURITY FIRESTORM: Mamdani's Wife Reportedly Heading to Syria, Lebanon With NYPD Protection

Rama Duwaji, wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is reportedly planning a private family trip to Syria and Lebanon next month with NYPD officers accompanying her, prompting concerns about officer safety in countries subject to the U.S. State Department's highest-level "Do Not Travel" Advisories.

According to reports, Duwaji is expected to depart on September 20 for a family visit to the two Middle Eastern nations. City Hall spokesperson Dora Pekec confirmed to the New York Post that NYPD officers would accompany Duwaji at the department's request. A source said the upcoming journey is private and unconnected to official city business. Duwaji traveled without police protection during a trip last month.

The arrangement has drawn criticism from political figures concerned about endangering officers in regions flagged by the U.S. Government for severe security risks. Former New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, argued that sending NYPD officers to countries considered dangerous by the U.S. Government could put their lives at risk and potentially make them targets. He also questioned why local protection would not be sufficient.

Duwaji, a 29-year-old Syrian-American artist, has previously faced controversy over pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel views expressed on social media, including posts related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She reportedly apologized for controversial past remarks in April.

Mamdani has previously defended his wife as a private individual who should not be thrust into the political spotlight because of his position. The security arrangements for the September trip are likely to intensify debate over the NYPD's responsibilities in protecting the mayor's immediate family during private international travel to high-risk destinations.