A massive middle-finger sculpture appeared outside New York City Hall on Monday afternoon, aimed squarely at Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his increasingly combative political agenda. Within minutes, tourists were taking photographs, supporters were cheering, critics were filming social media clips, and yet another culture war scene unfolded in lower Manhattan.
The unpermitted installation was erected by Staten Island artist and activist Scott LoBaido, a long-time conservative provocateur whose public protests have repeatedly targeted progressive politicians and city policies. Positioned directly facing City Hall, the sculpture carried all the subtlety of a campaign attack ad.
