Condemnation of Zoran Mamdani by 9/11 Family

Family members affected by the 9/11 tragedy have criticized Democratic mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani for his association with Hasan Piker, a controversial left-wing influencer who made inflammatory comments about the September 11 attacks.

“How can I walk alongside someone who believes America deserved 9/11?” Wendy Taturichi, a 52-year-old EMT who started her career after the attacks, expressed during an interview. “That’s utterly disgraceful.”

“Mamdani doesn’t deserve to hold office,” she emphasized. “I want to see him publicly reject Hasan Piker and his appalling statements.”

Her husband, Sal Taturichi, 60, has experienced severe health issues following his work at Ground Zero, where he has now been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer. “I just can’t back Mamdani,” he stated simply.

The couple supports former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has been active in addressing the needs of 9/11 survivors. They highlighted their support for him during a press conference just days before the 24th anniversary of the attacks that claimed 2,977 lives.

Mamdani previously appeared on Piker’s show earlier this year.

Piker has been at the center of controversy for remarks suggesting that “America deserves 9/11″—a claim that has sparked outrage and backlash.

Wendy has concerns over Mamdani’s associations, citing comments he made expressing admiration for leaders of an organization linked to Hamas, raising further doubts about his suitability for office.

Moreover, she noted that during his governorship, Cuomo enacted policies that support 9/11 survivors, and she participated in a bill-signing event alongside him, which speaks to his commitment to their community.

Wendy also recalled the motorcycle ride she and Sal took with Cuomo to honor first responders. “I’ve seen firsthand what type of leader Cuomo is,” she said. “As governor, he prioritized our benefits and treated us with the dignity we deserve. That’s the kind of leadership New York City needs now.”

Attempts to reach the Mamdani campaign for comments were made.