Mayor Acknowledges Contribution to NYPD Memorial

Rather than taking on wealthy individuals, Mayor Zoran Mamdani is now acknowledging billionaire Ken Griffin’s role in funding a new NYPD memorial dedicated to the heroes of 9/11. This comes after some pushback following Mamdani’s “Tax the Rich” video, which targeted affluent business figures.

On Tuesday, Mamdani attended the NYPD’s annual ceremony, where he took a moment to publicly thank Griffin, the CEO of Citadel Hedge Fund, as names of fallen officers were added to the Hall of Heroes at NYPD Headquarters.

“I appreciate everyone here today, particularly the Commissioner of Police, Jessica Tisch, and the NYPD leadership,” Mamdani stated in front of department leaders and the families of the honored officers at One Police Plaza.

Following this, he specifically thanked Griffin for his financial support of the memorial wall, set to open later this year.

Mamdani emphasized, “Most importantly, I want to honor the families of the fallen officers we are gathered to remember.”

This acknowledgment came after Mamdani faced criticism for an earlier video, which some deemed a “dangerous” personal attack on Griffin. When asked about that video—shot outside Griffin’s sizable property praising a new tax on luxurious second homes—Mamdani expressed no regrets.

Griffin has not taken this well. Citadel’s COO, Gerald Beeson, called Mamdani’s comments “disgraceful,” hinting that the firm might reconsider a $6 billion development in Midtown.

In a letter to employees, Beeson criticized Mamdani for displaying “the elite political class’s ignorance” towards hard-working New Yorkers.

Despite pressure from reporters, the mayor remained unapologetic, reiterating his desire for all New Yorkers, Griffin included, to thrive.

The police chief also spoke highly of Griffin’s donation, noting its importance to the New York City Police Foundation, which will help build a dedicated wall in the 1PP lobby to remember the officers who died on September 11, 2001, and those who later succumbed to health issues from recovery efforts. “This story deserves its own space, thanks to the generosity of the Police Foundation and Ken Griffin’s commitment,” Tisch remarked during the event.

Griffin’s spokesperson later confirmed that he had made significant donations as requested by the nonprofit but was absent from the ceremony due to prior travel commitments.

The memorial service added another 103 names, including Detective Didarul Islam, who was killed during an off-duty incident in 2025 and was posthumously promoted. Mamdani recounted visiting Detective Islam’s family and their stories of a generous and kind man.

Additionally, names of 60 NYC police officers who perished due to COVID-19 were read during the ceremony, accompanied by gentle piano music. Plans for the new memorial honoring 9/11 heroes are expected to be completed by the time the city marks the tragedy’s 25th anniversary.