Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that attendees at the upcoming 9/11 memorial service should turn their backs on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he characterized as a "divisive lefty mayor." Blakeman, whose nephew died in the south tower on September 11, 2001, stated that families of victims are justified in asking Mamdani not to attend the ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
"I would equate this to a wake. You don’t go to a wake if you’re not welcome," Blakeman told reporters during a press conference in Albany. He suggested that if Mamdani does attend, a "respectful and peaceful way to protest that" would be for people to "turn their back on the mayor."
Blakeman cited Mamdani's alleged refusal to condemn anti-Israel slogans, such as "globalize the intifada," as grounds for his exclusion from the memorial. According to Blakeman, Mamdani's stance on these phrases is "part of the reason why we had the tragedy we had on 9/11." Mamdani, however, has indicated his intention to attend the ceremony. "I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack," he stated.
Former New York Governor George Pataki, also present in Albany for the opening of his namesake center for leadership and conversation, expressed "grave concerns" about Mamdani's past comments. When asked about Mamdani's attendance, Pataki remarked, "It’s my nature to be inclusive, and that is my instinct, but Sept. 11 is different. So, I may have comments on that."