A woman gestures while holding an image of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the day of an anti-Israeli and U.S. rally, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 6, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY
(New York, NY) – After a weekend full of Iranian Americans celebrating the killing of Ayatollah Khomeini in the streets, now the mourners are taking over Washington Square Park. The vigil is being hosted by several left-wing activist groups including Crown Heights Bites Back and the Bronx Anti-War Coalition. The groups have held similar events for other notorious leaders from the Middle East including Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
In an Instagram post promoting the event, organizers say: “this vigil is a solemn reminder that Amerikan colonial violence is a singular evil”. Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, who could be facing censure by the council’s ethics committee, decried the event on social media
It’s totally normal for New Yorkers to hold a vigil and ‘Iftar’ in honor of the Ayatollah Khamenei in Washington Square Park.
This is all totally normal and healthy and fine and if you disagree it’s islamophobia and you need to be investigated by the ‘ethics committee’. https://t.co/Hypr4KRbL7
— Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (@VickieforNYC) March 6, 2026
Meanwhile, Operation Epic Fury continues in Iran. President Donald Trump says a ground incursion would be a waste of time. The Islamic Republic has been hit hard according to US officials, however Iran is still launching attacks using drones. Iran is vowing to retaliate after the US successfully sank an Iranian warship. There is still a power vacuum left after the death of Khomeini. The late Supreme Leader’s son has been selected as his replacement, but President Trump says that would be the worst possible choice and vows the US will play a role in choosing the future leader of Iran.
