Thurston condemns Loomer's use of the label as racist and anti-Muslim
Alex ThurstonUniversity of Cincinnati scholar of Islam and politics; author of Sawahil
Thurston argues that Loomer uses jihadist as an outsider label and condemns her rhetoric as racist and anti-Muslim.
Responding to
Loomer's use of jihadist to describe Mamdani is racist and anti-Muslim abuse.
“but ultimately she just uses the term “jihadist” as one of several synonyms for “outsider.” It’s unadulterated racism and anti-Muslim hatred.”
Analysis
Where this statement fits
Was Laura Loomer justified in calling Zohran Mamdani a "jihadist"?
Laura Loomer repeatedly calls Zohran Mamdani a jihadist and describes him as a supporter of Islamic terror. Alex Thurston criticizes her use of the label as racist and anti-Muslim. Loomer also disputes Trump's earlier rejection of the description. The question is whether her characterization is justified by Mamdani's positions or turns political disagreement and Muslim identity into an accusation of violent extremism.
Source and context
Analysis
About this source
Thurston criticizes Loomer's use of the label against Mamdani within an essay about the term's use in academic research and political rhetoric.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Thurston discusses the academic use of jihadist and quotes Loomer's October 2025 campaign-period remarks about Mamdani and Muslim identity.
After the quotation
He argues that her labeling leads into exclusion based on religion, then discusses the consequences of political rhetoric for academic terminology.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Thurston expressly condemns Loomer's use of the label. His criticism of the rhetoric goes beyond disputing whether a descriptive term fits Mamdani.
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More from this case
Read the full caseLoomer repeats her terrorism accusation while questioning the clearance
“Everyone knows Mamdani is a supporter of Islamic terror. I want to see the FBI’s statement about why Mamdani was given a clearance.”Read statement
Loomer repeats the jihadist characterization after Mamdani's anniversary statement
“He is a full blown jihadist who normalizes killing non-Muslims for the sake of pushing a global intifada.”Read statement
Loomer disputes Trump's earlier rejection of the label
“I remember when Trump, who I love, said Mamdani isn’t a jihadi. I was shocked. Mamdani is a jihadi”Read statement
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- Thurston condemns Loomer's use of the label as racist and anti-Muslim
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The Dispute Index. "Thurston condemns Loomer's use of the label as racist and anti-Muslim". First published: 2026-10-09. Last updated: 2026-10-09. https://disputeindex.com/events/5275-thurston-argues-that-loomer-uses-jihadist-as-an