California District Attorney Faces backlash After Retweeting 9/11 Imagery While Criticizing newly Elected New York Lawmaker
San Luis Obispo, CA – San Luis Obispo county District Attorney Dan Dow is facing widespread condemnation after retweeting posts referencing the September 11th attacks alongside criticism of New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat and the first Muslim elected too the New York State Legislature. The controversy has sparked accusations of Islamophobia and prompted rebukes from local officials and civil rights groups.
Dow’s posts, made on [Date of article publication – facts not provided in text, assuming recent], centered around a message from anti-muslim extremist Laura Loomer, who lamented Mamdani’s election to represent parts of queens, New York. Loomer’s original post falsely equated Mamdani’s election with the 9/11 attacks, asserting that New York had “done” something regrettable by electing him.
Dow amplified Loomer’s message, beginning his own post by highlighting his 32 years of service in the U.S.Army, including four tours overseas.”I remember like it was yesterday our nation being attacked by Islamic extremists on 9/11/2001,” he wrote. He continued, stating he did not share the views of the ”33-year-old socialist Zohran Mamdani” and expressing sadness at seeing “the Big Apple torn apart by electing an un-American socialist who wants to trample on the values and freedoms that millions of Americans have fought and died for.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Los Angeles (CAIR-LA) swiftly condemned Dow’s actions. “Dow’s decision to repost content that weaponizes bigotry and baselessly ties an elected Muslim official to terrorism is appalling and reflects the deeply rooted dehumanization and fearmongering in this country that American Muslims have had to endure for decades,” said CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush in a statement.
The posts also drew criticism from within Dow’s own community. Dr. Rushdi Cader, a Muslim ally and personal friend of dow’s in San Luis Obispo, told the San Luis Obispo Tribune that the posts were “highly incendiary and puts Muslims at risk for harm, especially hijab-wearing Muslim women like my wife Nisha, whom Dan has himself described as ‘a kind and gentle lady’ who he ‘prayed would be blessed with peace.'” Cader suggested the posts stemmed from disagreement with Mamdani’s political views rather than a direct attack on Islam.
San Luis obispo County Second District Supervisor Bruce Gibson labeled Dow a “Christian nationalist,” criticizing his lack of “decency and discipline” given his powerful public office. San Luis Obispo Mayor Erica Stewart emphasized the city’s welcoming environment and stated that Dow’s expression of “racism is unacceptable” for someone in his position as District Attorney.
However, Dow has also received support. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, who serves with Dow on the California District Attorneys Association (where Dow is president and Spitzer is secretary-treasurer), defended Dow’s right to share his views. “Elected officials have a platform to share their views and be judged by their constituents,” Spitzer wrote in an email. He added that it was “heartbreaking to see someone who has expressed such anti-public safety and anti-Semitic sentiments elected as mayor of New York, and we as the elected protectors of public safety have a right to express that.”
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Islamophobia and the rhetoric used in political discourse,particularly in the wake of national security events like 9/11.It also raises questions about the responsibilities of elected officials and the potential impact of their social media activity on community relations and public safety.
