Gov. Kathy Hochul ripped her Republican opponent Bruce Blakeman as “reprehensible” for attacking her over wearing a head scarf during an event at a mosque.
The New York governor ignited a firestorm from conservatives after pictures emerged of her wearing a head scarf at a mosque last year, prompting Blakeman to label her “hijab Hochul” in a social media post.
Blakeman, who is now serving as the elected Nassau County executive, described the traditional religious headwear as a “costume” and accused the Democrat of “political pandering” less than “two weeks before the 25th anniversary of 9/11.”
“To try and divide New Yorkers based on their religion — I think it’s reprehensible — he has taken this to a new level and I think that voters will reject that,” Hochul told reporters after an unrelated event on Blakeman’s turf on Long Island Wednesday.
It’s common practice for women to wear head coverings, such as a scarf, while visiting or attending services at a mosque.
Former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush as well as first daughter Ivanka Trump have all covered up while holding audiences with Islamic leaders.
“It’s a sign of respect to the religion of the people, and if he has a problem with that, it says a lot more about him than it does anybody else,” Hochul said further clapping back at Blakeman.
“I reject anyone who tries to use this as another way to separate us as New Yorkers during a time when we should be coming together and supporting each other.”
Blakeman himself wore a head covering at a Sikh event in Nassau County last year, according to photos posted to his own social media account at the time.
Blakeman doubled down on his criticism in a statement to The Post referencing his nephew who died in the Sept. 11 attacks.
“Kathy Hochul don’t lecture me about 9/11 and unity. My nephew Tommy was murdered that day giving first aid to a severely burned woman. He was a state employee and a hero,” he railed.
“You have aligned yourself with Zohran Mamdani who won’t speak against “Global Intifada” which was the goal of his murderers who killed him and thousands of New Yorkers,” he said. This November New Yorkers will unify around me to save this state.
President Trump meanwhile weighed in on the pics in a Tuesday Truth Social post.
“Congestion Pricing in Manhattan is hurting her with everybody, but especially the people for whom she wears the hijab. The whole thing is CRAZY!” Trump said.
