Actor Robert De Niro, known for his outspoken liberal stance, agreed with some critics of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani who termed his comments on law enforcement as “ridiculous.” However, De Niro still believes the mayor should be present at the upcoming 9/11 memorial service.
This year’s September 11 memorial events, marking 25 years since the attack, have become politically charged due to Mamdani’s past comments and associations. Republicans and victims’ families are voicing their demands for the mayor to stay away from the commemoration.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, De Niro was asked about whether Mamdani should attend the ceremony. “I don’t see why he shouldn’t come,” he stated, emphasizing that he hadn’t heard anything that would make the mayor unfit for participation. “Maybe I’m naive,” De Niro added, expressing a general need to give people a chance.
Despite significant backlash, including an online petition with over 110,000 signatures urging him to refrain from attending, Mamdani is set to go to the memorial. Critics highlight his previous calls to “defund the police” during the George Floyd protests and his derogatory remarks about the NYPD.
De Niro acknowledged the pain families might feel regarding Mamdani’s history but maintained that the mayor should still attend the memorial. “I think this stems from tension he’s had with the fire department and the comments about defunding the police,” the interviewer noted. De Niro responded, “Well he did say it. And, of course, it’s ridiculous. You can’t defund the police. It’s not going to happen. But I still think he should be at the memorial.”
He also suggested that attending could offer Mamdani a chance to bridge divides between people. However, when it came to discussions about former President Donald Trump, De Niro’s criticism was sharper, stating, “We have to stop him. It’s insane.” He stressed the need for secure voting processes.
Entertainment commentator Christian Toto criticized De Niro’s remarks, suggesting the actor lacks a comprehensive understanding of Mamdani’s record. Commenting on the situation, Toto said De Niro seems to be used by media outlets to promote anti-Trump sentiments without addressing the complexities of Mamdani’s associations.
Families affected by the 9/11 tragedy are particularly outraged by Mamdani’s past relationships with individuals criticized for extremist views. The petition against his attendance references his praise for controversial figures linked to radical ideologies, raising concerns about his suitability to honor those lost on that tragic day.
Mamdani’s past actions, including giving a ceremonial pen from a 9/11 remembrance ceremony to a lawyer who represented a convicted al Qaeda member, have further fueled the backlash against him. Critics, including Rafael Mangual from the Manhattan Institute, argue that De Niro and others overlook these troubling aspects of the mayor’s history.
Former Trump aide Mary Marslender emphasized that Mamdani’s past comments and associations cannot be easily dismissed. She argued that De Niro’s defense reflects a troubling neglect of values that connect Americans and called for a clearer acknowledgment of Mamdani’s controversial stance on 9/11 and its implications.
Even as De Niro continues to express support for Mamdani, the city’s mayor faces significant criticism rooted in his statements and affiliations, raising questions about his role in such a solemn occasion.
Fox News Digital attempted to contact Mamdani’s office for a response but did not receive an immediate reply.
