New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is under scrutiny following an act during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. The event saw him give a ceremonial pen to a top aide with a controversial background.

Background of the Ceremony

Mamdani signed executive orders ahead of the 25th anniversary of September 11, commemorating it as a citywide day of remembrance. These orders also aimed to enhance efforts to prevent future terrorist threats. During this ceremony, after signing the last order, Mamdani gave the pen to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, instructing her to pass it to Ramzi Kassem, his chief counsel.

Ramzi Kassem’s Controversial Past

Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, who was convicted for war crimes linked to al Qaeda activities against commercial ships. Al-Darbi is also the brother-in-law of Khalid al-Mihdhar, a hijacker involved in the September 11 Pentagon attack.

The pen handoff has drawn backlash on social media.

Critics argue that Kassem’s participation distracted from the ceremony meant to honor the victims and first responders of 9/11. Podcaster Benny Johnson called the act a “slap in the face to victims.” Maria Danzilo, a former New York state Senate candidate, expressed concern over the mayor’s decisions on such a solemn occasion.

Kassem’s Role and Reaction

According to City Hall, Kassem attended the ceremony because his team had drafted the executive orders. Despite his professional role, his past associations have sparked debate. Kassem, alongside founding a CUNY legal clinic offering free aid to Muslims, also represented Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian leader detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Mamdani’s office has not yet commented on the controversy sparked by this gesture.