New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday he plans to attend this year’s Sept. 11 commemoration marking the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, despite a growing petition from some victims’ family members urging him not to participate.
Speaking at a news conference, Mamdani said he would “proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them at this year’s 9/11 commemoration.”
“We will never forget the solemn day felt by all of us who call this city home, and frankly by all of us who call this country home,” he added.
The petition, started by Giovanni Galante, whose wife was killed in the Sept. 11 attacks, had garnered more than 25,000 signatures by Tuesday. It argued that the anniversary should remain focused on honoring the victims and said attendees should “uphold and affirm” the values of respecting those who died and rejecting the ideologies behind the attacks.
Petition organizers cited a series of concerns about Mamdani, including his past comments on U.S. foreign policy, his response to the phrase “globalize the intifada,” his praise of Imam Siraj Wahhaj, appointments and political endorsements he has made, and writings by his father, which they argue make him an inappropriate participant in the ceremony. Meanwhile, Mamdani has denied supporting terrorism or political violence and has repeatedly condemned the Sept. 11 attacks.
Asked Monday about the campaign urging him not to attend, Mamdani reiterated that he would participate in the annual remembrance to honor the victims, survivors, and first responders.
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The National September 11 Memorial & Museum said it has “intentionally worked to keep the commemoration free of politics,” noting that elected officials from across the political spectrum attend the ceremony “simply to bear witness,” in a comment to CBS News. The organization added that public officials do not deliver remarks during the reading of victims’ names and are asked to remain in a designated area.
Petition organizers said they also plan to ask the New York City Council to intervene.
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
