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New York Attorney General Letitia James made a public appearance on Monday to support New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. This marked her first public event since being indicted by the Trump administration's Department of Justice on federal charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. The charges relate to a home purchase in Norfolk, Virginia, where prosecutors allege James misled a bank to obtain favorable loan terms. James has dismissed these charges as "baseless" and a continuation of political retribution by President Donald Trump.
During the rally in Washington Heights, James addressed thousands of attendees, avoiding direct references to Trump or the charges but acknowledging the situation by stating, "I fear no man" and warning against the "weaponization of justice for political gain." According to the Associated Press, she emphasized the importance of protecting democracy and vowed not to capitulate.
Mamdani, who could become the city's first Muslim mayor, is running against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. He has been a vocal supporter of James, criticizing the charges against her as politically motivated. ABC News reports that James praised Mamdani for his bold political stance and affordability agenda.
James is expected to appear in federal court on October 24. If convicted, she would automatically lose her position as attorney general under New York law. Meanwhile, she continues to fundraise for her reelection campaign next year.
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