Post by @foxnews

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani breaks with a longstanding mayoral tradition by skipping the city's annual Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. His absence is drawing backlash from Italian Americans and renewed scrutiny of his past criticism of Christopher Columbus. In 2020, Mamdani posted a photo of himself giving the middle finger to a statue of the explorer. The 82nd annual parade celebrates Italian American heritage, culture and history, with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and New York Attorney General Letitia James among those attending.