Story perspectives

Mayor Rejects Petition, Attends Ground Zero Remembrance Ceremony

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 4:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez smiled at 25th-anniversary Ground Zero ceremony.
Their smiles drew criticism for appearing inappropriate while victims’ names were read.
Families of 9/11 victims launched a petition urging Mamdani not to attend, citing political ties.
Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim mayor, rejected the petition, insisting he would attend to honor victims.
He signed an order designating September 11 as a day of remembrance.

1 of 1

Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez smiled at 25th-anniversary Ground Zero ceremony.
Their smiles drew criticism for appearing inappropriate while victims’ names were read.
Families of 9/11 victims launched a petition urging Mamdani not to attend, citing political ties.
Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim mayor, rejected the petition, insisting he would attend to honor victims.
He signed an order designating September 11 as a day of remembrance.