Streamer Sparks Fury After Declaring NYC an Islamic Republic
A controversial internet streamer with more than one million followers has ignited a firestorm of backlash after livestreaming himself declaring New York City an “Islamic Republic” during World Cup celebrations, drawing condemnation from figures including Elon Musk, Alex Jones, and the Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden.
The Incident
On July 3, 2026, Sneako (real name Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy) broadcast himself on the streaming platform Kick from the streets of New York City during celebrations of Egypt’s World Cup victory over Australia. In the video, which has since accumulated tens of millions of views across Instagram and X, Sneako shouted “Allahu Akbar” among a crowd of Egypt fans before declaring, “This is the Islamic Republic of New York-istan. Islam will be in every household. Inshallah the whole world will be Muslim.”
According to Fox News, the streamer also invoked the name of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC’s first Muslim mayor, shouting “Welcome to Mamdani’s New York.”
Widespread Backlash
The clip quickly went viral, and the response was swift. Rob O’Neill, the former Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden, posted a sarcastic reply: “These guys sound WAY different when you wake them up at 2am.”
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones called for the streamer’s deportation on X, writing “Deport him NOW!!!” In a notable moment of alignment between the two figures — who have a history of conflict over Jones’ Sandy Hook-related suspension — X owner Elon Musk replied simply: “Yes.”
Sneako fired back at Musk on Monday, telling the South African-born billionaire, “Go back to Africa. This is my country.” He also posted a cryptic message on X: “Every knee will bow. Every tongue confess.”
The Streamer’s Controversial History
Sneako, 27, is no stranger to controversy. Born in New York City to Haitian and Filipino parents, he began his online career in 2013 with gaming content and street interviews. According to Wikipedia, his content shifted over time toward far-right trolling, misogyny, and antisemitism, leading to permanent bans from YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram.
As The Guardian reported, by 2016 his content had shifted toward misogyny, praise for Hitler, and antisemitic jokes. He has collaborated with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and influencer Andrew Tate, and was featured in the 2026 Louis Theroux documentary “Inside the Manosphere.” Originally a supporter of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, he later expressed disillusionment with electoral politics and became involved in Kanye West’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Sneako reportedly converted to Islam in 2023 and moved to Miami, Florida. He currently streams on Kick, a platform that has positioned itself as a more permissive alternative to Twitch, attracting banned or controversial creators.
Mayor Mamdani’s Silence
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor on January 1, 2026, has not publicly commented on the incident. His office did not return Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Mamdani, a progressive Democrat and the first Muslim mayor of New York City, previously faced controversy in March 2026 over his refusal to use the phrase “radical Islamic terror” following an alleged ISIS-inspired bomb plot near Gracie Mansion.
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited debates about the boundaries of free speech on social media platforms, the spread of extremist content, and the role of platform moderation. Musk’s ownership of X has been marked by a stated commitment to free speech, including reinstating previously banned accounts like Alex Jones’, while also facing criticism for allowing hate speech.
Kick, the platform where the livestream occurred, has faced ongoing criticism for its lax content moderation policies. The incident raises questions about whether platforms will take action against Sneako’s account and whether federal authorities will respond to calls for his deportation.
What’s Next
As the controversy continues to unfold, several key questions remain unanswered: Will Mayor Mamdani issue an official statement? Will Kick or other platforms take action against Sneako’s account? And how will this incident affect the broader Muslim community in New York City? The answers may shape the ongoing national conversation about the intersection of free speech, religious expression, and national security in the digital age.
Video of the incident is available on Fox News.