Republican Congressman tells Zohran Mamdani to ‘go back to third world’ for eating with bare hands

A viral clip of NYC mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani eating rice with his hands sparks fury from a GOP representative.

A video from 2023 showing New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani eating rice with his hands during an interview resurfaced online over the weekend.

In the clip, he explains how his upbringing in Uganda and South Africa shaped his empathy and understanding of the Palestinian struggle.

Republican Representative Brandon Gill reacted sharply on X, stating that “civilised people in America don’t eat like this” and urging Mamdani to “go back to the third world” if he “refuses to adopt Western customs.”

Civilized people in America don’t eat like this.

If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World. https://t.co/TYQkcr0nFE

— Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) June 30, 2025

Eating with hands is a long-standing tradition in many South Asian and African cultures, practiced by millions worldwide. Mamdani, born in Kampala to Indian parents, moved to New York at seven and became a US citizen in 2018. A democratic socialist, he is aiming to become the city's first mayor of Indian heritage if elected in November.

During his campaign, Mamdani has called for dismantling ICE, labelling it a “fascist” organisation. This stance has drawn criticism from Republicans, including former ICE director Tom Homan, who said “good luck with that” and warned of stricter federal enforcement in sanctuary cities.

Additional GOP figures have escalated the response. Representative Andy Ogles labelled Mamdani an “antisemitic, socialist, communist” and suggested denaturalisation.

Nancy Mace posted a poll on deportation, while former President Trump referred to Mamdani as a “100% Communist Lunatic,” also mocking his appearance and intellect. Immigration hardliner Stephen Miller warned that Mamdani’s primary win signals a dangerous shift if immigration is unchecked.