Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Ground Zero on Friday, drawing criticism from various quarters. His presence upset some city residents, including a former police officer and another mourner who labeled his attendance as ‘disrespectful’ and ‘offensive’. The controversy centers on Mamdani’s political associations and his decision to appoint Ramzi Kassem as chief counsel, known for representing a Guantánamo detainee linked to an al Qaeda plot.
Former New York officials like Republican Gov. George Pataki and FDNY Commissioner Thomas von Essen urged Mamdani to skip the ceremony. Despite a petition from victims’ families with over 110,000 signatures requesting his absence, Mamdani attended.
Walter Matuza, whose father died in the attacks, was among those who wanted Mamdani to avoid the ceremony. He mentioned Mamdani’s association with streamer Hasan Piker, who controversially stated America ‘deserved 9/11’.
A former New Jersey police officer named Mike expressed disappointment over Mamdani’s rhetoric and his appointment of Kassem, suggesting alternative approaches could have been taken. Another mourner condemned Mamdani as a ‘communist’, insisting the event shouldn’t be political.
Steven, attending from Hobe Sound, Florida, criticized Mamdani’s presence, citing the large number of New Yorkers opposing his attendance. Despite acknowledging Mamdani’s right to attend as mayor, Steven felt he should have respected the wishes of those opposing his presence.
John, a ceremony attendee, stated Mamdani has the right to be present, provided he respects the memorial’s purpose. John lost friends in the attacks, including those at Cantor-Fitzgerald, where over 650 people perished that day.
Mamdani, in a previous statement, expressed pride and love for New York and the country. He emphasized focusing on families affected by 9/11 and the first responders who risked their lives.
During the event, Mamdani greeted his predecessor, Rudolph Giuliani, briefly exchanging pleasantries before Giuliani sat down and an aide spoke to Mamdani.
President Donald Trump attended a Pentagon remembrance before heading to Ireland and declined a formal appearance at the Ground Zero ceremony.