NYC NOW Midday News: Texas Man Charged With Threats Against Zohran Mamdani, Pedicab Crackdown Falls Flat, and Gov. Hochul’s Endorsement Shakes Up Mayoral Race
Sep 18, 2025
A Texas man has been arrested for making terroristic threats against mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. The city's recent pedicab crackdown raises questions as fewer than 10% of citations resulted in penalties. In the political landscape, Hochul's endorsement of Mamdani stirs reactions, highlighting tensions with rivals and the dynamics of Albany cooperation. The ongoing struggles of Cuomo to connect with Democratic voters also come under scrutiny, adding to the intrigue of the mayoral race.
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Threat Arrest Against Mamdani
- A Texas man, Jeremy Fistel, was arrested and brought to NYC on charges including making a terroristic threat against Zohran Mamdani.
- Fistel pleaded not guilty in court this morning according to the report.
Pedicab Crackdown Lacks Teeth
- Fewer than 10% of pedicab tickets from the city's crackdown produced penalties, suggesting weak enforcement.
- Critics say licensing costs and bureaucracy outweigh the deterrent value of occasional fines.
Driver Death Highlighted After Crackdown
- The pedicab enforcement push followed the suicide of driver Musa Seton after an arrest and failure to appear in court.
- NYPD noted Seton was among nine people who have died in police custody this year.