Zohran Mamdani Supporters Left Frustrated After ‘Block Party’ Lacks Food, Bathrooms

Thousands of supporters who gathered in freezing temperatures to celebrate the swearing-in of New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, expressed frustration Thursday after a much-promoted public “block party” failed to provide basic amenities, including food or restrooms, as reported by The New York Post.

The event, billed by Mamdani’s team as an “Inauguration for a New Era Block Party,” took place outside New York City Hall along the Canyon of Heroes.

Organizers estimated that roughly 10,000 people stood outside City Hall, packed into multiple barricaded pens as temperatures dropped into the mid-20s.

Mamdani fans disappointed by disastrous socialist ‘block party’ without food, bathrooms.

When will the stupid voters understand Dems Communist nothing is free. They use us to get everything they want not want we want. They lie and you vote. pic.twitter.com/vHPTXPYB9K

— TIMENOUT (@TIMENOUT) January 2, 2026

Supporters without invitations were separated from about 4,000 invited guests, who were seated more comfortably inside the outdoor City Hall plaza to witness Mamdani take the oath of office. The larger crowd watched the ceremony and speeches on large television screens set up along Broadway.

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“It’s definitely not a block party,” said Danny Mahabir, 30, an Astoria resident who attended the event. “I was expecting a mix of food and music.”

Mahabir said he wore three layers of clothing to stay warm and was surprised to find himself standing for hours with no concessions available. “We’re just stuck behind the barricades watching it on TV,” he said.

Speakers during the ceremony included Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, whose remarks were broadcast to the outer crowd. While many attendees said they were still eager to witness the start of Mamdani’s administration, several voiced disappointment with how the event was organized.

“It’s not exactly what I was expecting,” said Shane Turner, 30, a Brooklyn resident. “I was expecting food and music.”

A 25-year-old woman from Queens, who declined to be named, said she could have stayed home. “I could’ve watched this from home,” she said.

Security lines also drew complaints. Some attendees reported long waits and confusion about where to enter. One woman said she waited approximately 90 minutes Thursday morning to reach the viewing area.

“The police officers have not been informed about anything, they don’t know which entrance or where anything is,” she said. “I’m really, really unhappy.”

Mamdani supporters are awaiting the start of the inaugural block party. While most are all smiles, some are complaining of the miscommunication.

“We’ve been standing out here for over an hour and half. We’re not happy. The police officers have not been informed about anything.” pic.twitter.com/gfZyGGhdPv

— Desh Andrews (@deshedrews_) January 1, 2026

Attendees were instructed to arrive by 11 a.m. ahead of the scheduled 1 p.m. ceremony, which ultimately began more than 30 minutes late.

Mamdani’s campaign website described the gathering as a public celebration that would allow “tens of thousands to gather and participate in the ceremony, ensuring the day belongs to all New Yorkers.”

However, the site also warned there would be no portable restrooms “due to safety concerns” and “no food for sale within the block party.”

Organizers advised attendees to visit nearby restaurants and markets, but those who left the barricaded areas were required to go back through security screening to re-enter.

At one point, two Mamdani volunteers were seen running to a nearby Pret a Manger to use the restroom. Other spectators stepped into nearby stores to warm up during the speeches.

Despite the logistical issues, many supporters said they were still glad they attended.

“I’m not disappointed,” Turner said. “I came here to witness history. The past four years felt like hell under the previous mayor.”

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