Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s presence at Friday’s 9/11 remembrance at Ground Zero drew criticism from some in the city, including one former police officer who said the mayor "probably should have skipped it" and another mourner who called his appearance "disrespectful" and "very offensive."Mamdani has faced criticism over his associations with controversial political and online figures, as well as his decision to appoint Ramzi Kassem as his administration’s chief counsel.Kassem previously represented a Guantánamo detainee linked to an al Qaeda terrorist plot.
Former New York Republican Gov.George Pataki, 9/11-era FDNY Commissioner Thomas von Essen and others called on Mamdani to skip the ceremony."He showed up anyway.
It does bother us," Walter Matuza, whose father Walter was killed that day, told Fox News Digital.MAMDANI HEADS TO 9/11 MEMORIAL DESPITE 110,000-SIGNATURE PUSH FROM VICTIMS’ FAMILIES TO STAY AWAYNew York First Gentleman William Hochul Jr., left; New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, center, New Jersey Gov.Mikie Sherrill, right.
(Hiroko Masuike/Getty Images)Matuza said he was part of the group of victims’ families that initiated the petition to keep Mamdani away.He cited Mamdani’s association with streamer Hasan Piker, who once said America "deserved 9/11," as well as Mamdani’s appointment of Kassem.MAMDANI UNDER FIRE AFTER SYMBOLIC 9/11 PEN GOES TO FORMER AL QAEDA DEFENSE LAWYERNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announce a new memorial honoring victims of 9/11 inside 1 Police Plaza, New York, NY on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.(Cristina Matuozzi/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect)Matuza, of Staten Island, said his father was one of dozens at Carr Futures brokerage who died after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower just above their 92nd floor offices.Mike, a former New Jersey police officer, told Fox News Digital he recalled watching the terror unfold on television from across the Hudson – and late...