Mamdani Snubs 9/11 Families: 110K Signatures Ignored at Ground Zero
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will attend the 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero on Friday, despite a petition signed by roughly 110,000 people, including victims' families, demanding he stay away. The mayor's decision has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Republicans, veterans, and everyday Americans who see his presence as an insult to the memory of nearly 3,000 souls murdered by Islamic terrorists on September 11, 2001.
Why are 9/11 families demanding Mamdani stay away?
The outrage centers on Mamdani's appointment of Ramzi Kassem as the city's chief legal counsel. Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, an al Qaeda operative who pleaded guilty to war-crimes charges. For families who lost loved ones in the worst terrorist attack on American soil, this association is unforgivable.
The petition, launched by relatives of 9/11 victims, states plainly: “For 9/11 families, this is not simply a public ceremony -- it is a deeply personal day of mourning. The presence of individuals whose words or associations are perceived as conflicting with the solemn purpose of the event risks detracting from that focus and causing additional pain.”
It continues: “The 25th anniversary should remain centered on remembrance, unity, and an unambiguous rejection of the violence and extremism that defined that day.”
What did Mamdani do with the 9/11 ceremonial pen?
The controversy exploded when Mamdani handed a ceremonial pen, used to sign 9/11-related executive orders, to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and asked her to pass it to Kassem. Critics on social media rightly called this a slap in the face to the families of the fallen. This is not symbolism; this is a calculated provocation.
Giuliani and Pataki join the call for Mamdani to stay home
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who led the city through the hell of 9/11, did not mince words: “Having lost friends there and being very close to many of the families, it offends me that he's coming.”
Former Governor George Pataki, another Republican stalwart, has also joined the chorus demanding Mamdani skip the ceremony. When two of the most respected leaders from that dark day say you don't belong, you should listen.
What else has Mamdani done to offend patriotic Americans?
This is not an isolated incident. Mamdani has a pattern of cozying up to America's enemies and their sympathizers:
- He has failed to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada” until recently, and even now only says he would “discourage” it.
- He has praised an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
- He endorsed candidates who have made controversial statements about the 9/11 attacks.
- He maintains a continued association with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who infamously stated that America “deserved 9/11.”
While Mamdani has called Piker's comments “objectionable and reprehensible,” he has not disavowed him. Actions speak louder than words, and his actions scream disrespect.
What does Mamdani say in his defense?
The mayor, predictably, wrapped himself in the flag while ignoring the will of the people. He said: “I'm proud to be the mayor of this city. I love this city. I love this country. And what I want this week to be a focus on is on the families whose loved ones were stolen from them 25 years ago in the horrific act of terror of September 11.”
Empty words. If he truly loved this country, he would respect the families who are begging him to stay away. He would understand that this day is not about him.
Who else is attending the 9/11 memorial?
The invitation-only ceremony at Ground Zero, hosted by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, begins at 8:30 a.m. Vice President JD Vance and former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush are expected to attend. These are leaders who, whatever their politics, understand the gravity of the day. Mamdani's presence diminishes it.
What should happen now?
Mamdani's office did not respond to requests for comment. That silence speaks volumes. The Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly, but it does not guarantee an invitation to a solemn memorial when 110,000 Americans, including the families of the fallen, say you don't belong.
This is about respect. Respect for the dead. Respect for the first responders who ran into those burning towers. Respect for the American ideal that we honor our heroes and condemn our enemies. Mamdani fails on all counts.
The 25th anniversary of 9/11 should be a day of unity and remembrance. Instead, one man's ego and his questionable associations have turned it into a political battleground. That is a disgrace.