Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for mayor, is facing criticism over a social media post that marks the anniversary of the September 11 attacks in 2001.
An examination of Mamdani’s posts since 2019 alongside those from the Post reveals that he has frequently repeated a similar message, reflecting on the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives that day.
“Nearly 3,000 New Yorkers died on 9/11,” he wrote in a post from September 11, 2024. “We remember our neighbors who were taken from us.”
“In their honor, we strive to build a better world.”
For five years, the messages from the democratic socialist politician have varied only slightly, often using the same structure with minor differences.
In 2020, for instance, he stated, “nearly 3,000 New Yorkers died on 9/11, and the loss has continued over the years.”
“We mourn our neighbors who passed that day. Countless others have died in the subsequent wars. Millions suffered injuries and displacement,” he added. “In their memories, we are working towards a better world.”
A user on social media, @David_sivella, highlighted these similarities in a viral post.
“For four years, as a socialist Muslim congressman, @Zohrankmamdani has rehashed the same 9/11 statement, literally,” the user pointed out.
“Mamdani didn’t mention first responders on 9/11 or the sacrifices made for the safety of this city,” he suggested.
Though the 2024 post did acknowledge “the first responders and their families,” it hasn’t always focused on “the attacks leading to the vast number of casualties in the war that ensued.”
This glaring omission has led to frustration among some who served on that day. Nypd Lt. John Grimpel expressed his discontent, saying, “Ignoring those who served, both on that day and since, is an insult to those who still strive for a safer city.”
A retired emergency services officer present at Ground Zero that day added, “It’s disappointing, but honestly, not surprising.”
“This man is seeking to regain the public’s trust, so he feels he must appeal to voters.”
Comments made by other mayoral candidates, including current Mayor Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa, indicate that they have all provided distinct statements over the years regarding 9/11.
The Mamdani campaign has not yet responded to requests for a comment.
As he distances himself from previous views on police, Mamdani recently came under fire for a connection to leftist influencer Hasan Piker, who controversially claimed “America deserves 9/11.”
During a press event in the Bronx, the leading candidate deflected questions about this issue, saying, “I’m here to discuss the World Cup,” when pressed by a reporter.
Oren Barzilay, president of EMS Local 2507, stated that it is “unacceptable to associate with someone who made such a statement.” His comments were directed toward the city’s paramedics and EMTs.
Mamdani’s campaign previously accused Cuomo of utilizing anti-Muslim narratives by highlighting links to Piker. If elected in November, Mamdani would be the city’s first Muslim mayor.
– Additional reports by Carl Campanile
