Actress Patricia Heaton has joined calls to ban New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani from this year's 9/11 anniversary events, citing his public positions and associations. Heaton shared a Change.org petition on social media, urging New Yorkers to continue signing it.
The petition, created by a widower of a 9/11 victim, calls for Mamdani's exclusion based on his perceived reluctance to condemn phrases like "globalize the intifada," which many interpret as endorsing violence, and his associations with individuals whose statements are viewed as dismissive of American institutions or insufficiently critical of extremist ideologies. The petition has garnered over 42,000 signatures.
Mayor Mamdani, who was nine years old when the attacks occurred, stated his intention to attend the commemoration. "I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them at this year's 9/11 commemoration, reaffirming that we will never forget the solemn day felt by all of us who call this city home and, frankly, by all of us who called this country home," Mamdani told CBS News.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum indicated that the commemoration aims to remain apolitical, with government officials from various political backgrounds attending simply to bear witness. The museum noted that politicians are placed in a designated area and do not make remarks during the event.
Heaton's public support for the petition has divided public opinion. Some users on social media agreed with her stance, while others pointed out Mamdani's age during the 2001 attacks. Heaton, known for her conservative views and support for Republican policies, has previously urged for a more measured approach to political rhetoric.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terror attacks that struck the United States on September 11, 2001. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.