Mayor Zohran Mamdani to Attend 9/11 Remembrance Amid Conservative Opposition

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed he will attend New York City’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony on September 11. His presence would make him the first Muslim mayor to take part in the official Ground Zero service.

ABC7 New York

The city’s 9/11 commemoration has been held each year since the attacks, featuring a moment of silence, a reading of victims’ names and attendance by national leaders. In the weeks preceding the ceremony, Mamdani signed two executive orders: one designating September 11 as a citywide “Day of Remembrance and Service,” and another creating a task force to modernize emergency-preparedness procedures. The orders were signed in the presence of city counsel Ramzi Kassem, whose prior representation of a convicted al Qaeda member has drawn criticism from some families of victims and Republican officials.

The Independent

• Last week – Mamdani signs the two executive orders related to the anniversary.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani To Attend 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony As Giuliani Launches Attack

• September 11 (scheduled) – Main memorial service at Ground Zero, attended by former presidents and other dignitaries; Mamdani plans to be present.

The Independent

• An online petition urging Mamdani to stay away from the ceremony has gathered nearly 100,000 signatures.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani To Attend 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony As Giuliani Launches Attack

• The 25th-anniversary ceremony traditionally includes a reading of the names of the almost 3,000 victims.

The Independent

Mayor Mamdani has limited his public response, stating, “I don’t have much more to add.” The White House has indicated that President Donald J. Trump will not travel to New York, but Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to represent the administration.

The Guardian

Rudy Giuliani claimed Mamdani supports a broader “Islamic plot” to dominate Western societies. Former Governor George Pataki added that anyone who does not distance themselves from commentator Hasan Piker—who has said “America deserved the attacks”—should not be at the site. Both framed their objections as matters of respect for victims and national security.

New York Post

Gov. Kathy Hochul defended Mamdani, saying his attendance respects the majority of families affected by the attacks.

New York Post

• “Having lost friends there and being very close to many of the families, it offends me that he’s coming.” — Rudy Giuliani, former mayor

The Guardian

• “I don't have much more to add.” — Mayor Zohran Mamdani

ABC7 New York

The ceremony on September 11 will proceed with Mamdani joining former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, as well as Vice President J.D. Vance. Security measures and the citywide moment of silence will follow the established protocol for the anniversary.

The Guardian