New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are facing criticism from readers following their appearance at the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Multiple letters to the editor published by the New York Post voiced strong disapproval of the pair reportedly laughing during the solemn ceremony, particularly during the reading of victims' names.
One letter characterized the behavior as "sickening" and "disrespectful," questioning Mamdani's decision to attend the event if he was not welcome and criticizing the "laugh fest" with Ocasio-Cortez. The writer suggested Mamdani's "permanent smirk" indicated contempt for America and that his agenda was to "create chaos and destruction."
Another reader described the behavior as "angered, disgusted and outraged," calling the mayor and the representative "stupid" and "idiots" for laughing while families wept. This sentiment was echoed by another correspondent who stated that neither politician should have been elected to office if they could not "recognize those moments, or put themselves aside for the duration of such moments."
Concerns were also raised about the overall tenor of the event, with one letter suggesting that the actions of Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez, alongside Governor Hochul leaving early for an interview, "confirms how much they hate our country." The same letter alluded to a need for protection, stating, "Trump is not our friend — he is our protector."
While acknowledging that the laughter might have been "taken out of context," one reader stated that the pair "could’ve waited until the reading was complete to joke around," emphasizing that the reading of names is a "solemn occasion" requiring undivided attention. Another suggested the mayor's attendance was an opportunity to "learn who the actual victims were," rather than to "yuck it up with AOC."
Several letters highlighted the age of some attendees, noting that children present were crying, while "these idiots are laughing." One writer expressed disbelief at the "total disrespect shown by AOC and Mamdani," urging them to be ashamed.
Comparisons were drawn to schoolchildren, with one letter stating that "AOC and Mamdani were giggling during the solemn reading of names at the 9/11 memorial," attributing the behavior to a lack of respect and compassion for victims and their families. This writer also speculated about Ocasio-Cortez's future political ambitions.
Another reader characterized the interactions at the memorial as "Mamdani and AOC having a few laughs and liberal politicians getting their face time," advocating for a day of mourning with no politicians, especially liberals, in attendance. This perspective also included a critique of recent immigration policies and a statement that academia must cease teaching "revisionist history."
The word "despicable" was used by one reader to describe the behavior of AOC and Mamdani during the commemoration ceremonies.
Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez attended the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum plaza in lower Manhattan on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. A photograph from the event shows the two figures in conversation near the memorial site.