Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his successor, Zohran Mamdani, shared a tense handshake and brief words during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Friday morning. The encounter took place at the Memorial Plaza at Ground Zero, marking the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks.
Professional lip reader Nicola Hickling reported that Giuliani, 82, told Mamdani, 34, "I'm praying for you, it's been a long time." Mamdani seemingly offered a reply before releasing Giuliani's hand.
The seemingly cordial greeting followed a recent public dispute between the two mayors. Giuliani had expressed offense that Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, would attend the memorial service, stating Mamdani was "disturbing the people who are the most important people at that celebration" and "stands in direct support of the movement that killed their children."
In response to Giuliani's criticism, Mamdani released previously undisclosed records that appeared to indicate Giuliani's administration was aware of toxic air quality dangers following the September 11 attacks. Mamdani defended his attendance, stating his love for the city and country and his desire for the anniversary to honor victims, first responders, and New Yorkers.
Giuliani also shook hands with Vice President JD Vance at the ceremony, engaging in a brief, inaudible conversation.
The 9/11 attacks on September 11, 2001, involved al-Qaeda terrorists hijacking four planes. Two struck the World Trade Center in New York, one hit the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and the fourth crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew fought back. At least 2,977 people died as a result of the attacks.
Among those attending the National September 11 Memorial in New York were former President George W. Bush, former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, along with current first lady Jill Biden and former first lady Laura Bush. President Donald Trump attended an observance at the Pentagon, opting not to speak at the Manhattan museum after not being granted permission to give remarks.
Mamdani was an elementary school student in New York on the day of the attacks. His attendance at the ceremony had drawn criticism from Giuliani and former New York Governor George Pataki, who cited past remarks by some of Mamdani's political associates about the attacks.