Mayor Mamdani Criticized for Awarding 9/11 Pen to Lawyer Who Represented Al-Qaeda Operative

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn criticism for signing executive orders related to 9/11 and then presenting the ceremonial pen to his chief counsel, Ramzi Kassem, who previously represented an al-Qaeda operative with ties to the attacks.

The incident occurred at City Hall as administration officials gathered for the signing of two executive orders: one establishing a Day of Remembrance and another aimed at enhancing security against future terror threats, ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

After signing the orders, Mamdani asked Police Commissioner Jessica Tish to pass the symbolic pen to Kassem. Tish then handed the pen to Kassem, who appeared to smirk as he received it, before she quickly exited the press conference.

Kassem, a lawyer who founded a legal clinic at CUNY offering free legal representation to Muslims, previously represented al-Qaeda operative Ahmed al-Darbi. Al-Darbi was convicted of terrorism in connection with a 2002 al-Qaeda plot to attack global oil trade and was sent to Guantánamo Bay. His sister was married to Khalid al-Mihdhar, one of the hijackers of the plane that struck the Pentagon on 9/11.

Kassem has also defended Mahmoud Khalil, a leader of a pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia University who was detained by ICE.

Dennis Warchola, whose brother Michael, a firefighter killed on 9/11, slammed the decision. "It's bulls–t," Warchola stated. "How can you defend a guy like that who wants to do Americans or any innocent person harm?"

Former Democratic political consultant David Sivella criticized the mayor's action on X, formerly Twitter. "It’s a bit tone deaf to be signing this 9/11 Executive Order with your Chief Counsel, Ramzi Kassem, a former al-Qaeda defense lawyer, in the shot," Sivella posted. "Or was it deliberate on your part to give your Muslim base a hint that this is all BS to pacify other New Yorkers?"

Kassem reportedly arrived late to the press conference and departed shortly after receiving the pen. Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.