New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing renewed opposition from some 9/11 families who are calling for him to be barred from the upcoming 25th-anniversary commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero. The controversy stems from a resurfaced 2023 social media post and Mamdani's previous interviews, which critics argue are disrespectful to the victims and their families.
A petition organized by Giovanni Galante, who lost his wife Grace on 9/11, cites Mamdani's public record and what they describe as an alleged minimization of the attacks' impact. The petition urges ceremony organizers to consider whether Mamdani's participation aligns with the event's purpose and the feelings of those most affected.
In his 2023 post on X, Mamdani wrote, "Nearly 3,000 New Yorkers died on 9/11; 22 years later, the death hasn't stopped. We mourn our neighbors who died that day. The hundreds of thousands who died in the wars that followed. The unknown millions injured & displaced. In their memory, we work toward a better world." Critics have accused him of using the solemn anniversary to highlight the subsequent wars without explicitly naming the perpetrators of the attacks and by describing the deaths in passive terms.
This recent backlash follows earlier criticism Mamdani faced for interviewing Hasan Piker, who had previously stated that "America deserved 9/11." While Mamdani initially did not condemn Piker's remarks, he later described them as "objectionable and reprehensible."
Several public figures have voiced strong opinions regarding Mamdani's potential attendance. Marc Thiessen, who was at the Pentagon during the attacks, stated, "You have no business ever setting foot at Ground Zero, much less on 9/11. If you dare show up, I hope you are greeted with such a Bronx cheer that you slink away in shame." New York City councilwoman Inna Vernikov echoed this sentiment, writing, "I guess they all just 'died' in an accident? And then you wonder why the families of 9/11 victims don’t want you at the ceremony. Stay home, Mamdani." Florida Rep. Randy Fine commented, "Unfortunately, it seems the city forgot when they elected Jihadi Mamdani mayor. But we never will." Former NYPD officer and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro advised Mamdani, "Don't show up on 9/11 this year -- or any year. We're not interested in your moral equivalency, nepo baby. Stick to the parlor communism daddy taught you."
Michael La Rosa, a spokesperson for former first lady Jill Biden, questioned the remarks, asking, "Is this real?" Rep. Nancy Mace stated, "Americans were MURDERED by TERRORISTS in the most horrific way." Joey Jones, a co-host on "Big Weekend Show," added, "What a coward. They were murdered and sleep well at night knowing I and thousands of my brothers did our part to even the f—–g score."
Mamdani has indicated his intention to attend the 9/11 commemoration, stating he plans to honor victims, survivors, families, and first responders. He is expected to be joined by Vice President JD Vance and former presidents. Despite these plans, the petition highlights the deep concern among some victims' families about the appropriateness of his participation given the ongoing controversy.