Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced backlash for attending the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Ground Zero on Friday. Some, including a former police officer, suggested he “probably should have skipped it,” while another attendee labeled his presence as “disrespectful” and “very offensive.”
Mamdani has been criticized for his connections with various controversial figures and decisions, like appointing Ramzi Kassem as chief counsel in his administration. Kassem previously represented a Guantánamo detainee tied to an al Qaeda plot. Notable politicians, including former New York Governor George Pataki and ex-FDNY Commissioner Thomas von Essen, also urged Mamdani to avoid the memorial.
Walter Matuza, who lost his father on that tragic day, expressed his disappointment, stating, “He showed up anyway. It does bother us.” He was part of a group that started a petition to keep Mamdani away.
Matuza referenced Mamdani’s ties to streamer Hasan Piker, who controversially remarked that America “deserved 9/11,” alongside the cumbersome appointment of Kassem.
Mike, a former New Jersey police officer, recalled watching the chaos unfold from across the Hudson River and later going to Manhattan to assist NYPD officers. He shared that he felt Mamdani’s past rhetoric suggested he should have stayed away from the ceremony.
Another attendee criticized Mamdani, calling him a “communist” and arguing that the memorial should not be political. Steven, who traveled from Florida for the remembrance, condemned Mamdani’s appearance as “disrespectful” and argued that his affiliations were unwanted at such a solemn event.
He specifically critiqued Kassem’s role, calling it “hideous,” and expressed concern that younger generations might lack understanding about the 9/11 attacks due to misinformation. He emphasized the importance of educating his children on the topic.
John, another attendee, felt that Mamdani had the right to attend, provided he showed respect for the victims. He lost friends during the attacks and was willing to accept the mayor’s presence as long as it was respectful.
Mamdani was reached for comment but had previously stated his pride in New York, emphasizing a focus on honoring the families affected by the 9/11 tragedy and the first responders who risked their lives.
During the ceremony, Mamdani was seen conversing with his predecessor, former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, suggesting an exchange of pleasantries. All living former presidents were reportedly in attendance, while President Donald Trump visited the Pentagon’s remembrance event before heading to County Clare, Ireland.
