Case
Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?
July 28, 2026
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Gov. George Pataki, and some relatives of September 11 victims say Mayor Zohran Mamdani should not attend the 2026 commemoration, citing concerns about his rhetoric and associations. Mamdani says he will attend to honor victims, families, survivors, and first responders. Other elected officials and September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows say excluding the sitting mayor would politicize a ceremony meant for collective remembrance. The dispute is over the civic meaning and appropriateness of attendance, not over whether Mamdani has endorsed the September 11 attacks.
Evidence and limits
The 25th anniversary commemoration is scheduled for September 11, 2026. The central record includes Giuliani’s linked Newsmax appearance, Mamdani’s recorded confirmation that he will attend, Pataki’s direct interview, and Peaceful Tomorrows’ official statement. Critics rely in part on Mamdani’s relationships and on his past responses to political rhetoric. Those rationales are attributed to their speakers. The record establishes that Mamdani publicly described September 11 as a “horrific act of terror,” condemned Hasan Piker’s earlier “America deserved 9/11” remark, and later said he would discourage use of “globalize the intifada.” Petition signatures are not treated as verified family-member positions. The Memorial and Museum’s reported practice—that public officials attend without speaking and remain in a designated area—provides institutional context but is not treated as an endorsement of either side.
What's disputed
The claims below are disputed. Follow each source to see who made it and what they said.
Disputed claim
Rudy Giuliani said Mayor Zohran Mamdani should skip the 2026 9/11 memorial and characterized Mamdani’s attendance as offensive.
- Who made the claim
- Rudy Giuliani
- Date
Sources
Disputed claim
Zohran Mamdani said he will attend the 2026 commemoration to honor people affected by the September 11 attacks and described the attacks as a horrific act of terror.
- Who made the claim
- Zohran Mamdani
- Date
Sources
- FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendanceMayor’s remarks at West Indian Day Parade breakfast
- Mayor Mamdani to Declare Sept. 11th an Official Day of Remembrance and ServiceMayor’s Office news release
Disputed claim
George Pataki said Mamdani should not attend because of Mamdani’s continuing association with Hasan Piker and his past response to the phrase “globalize the intifada.”
- Who made the claim
- George Pataki
- Date
Sources
- Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorialDirect interview with George Pataki
Disputed claim
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows said Mamdani’s planned attendance is consistent with the responsibility undertaken by prior New York City mayors and condemned the campaign to exclude him as containing Islamophobic sentiment.
- Who made the claim
- September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
- Date
Sources
- September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows statement on Mayor Mamdani at Ground ZeroOrganization statement
Arguments
Editorial analysis
Voluntary absence could keep the memorial focused on victims' families
A memorial belongs first to victims' families. If a sitting mayor's public alliances or rhetoric lead bereaved relatives to reasonably anticipate distress or distraction, voluntary absence can be framed as protecting the ceremony's nonpolitical purpose rather than as a judgment about faith.
Related claim
Rudy Giuliani said Mayor Zohran Mamdani should skip the 2026 9/11 memorial and characterized Mamdani’s attendance as offensive.
Limit of this argument
Mamdani has called September 11 a horrific act of terror, publicly condemned Piker’s “America deserved 9/11” comment, and has not been shown in the reviewed record to endorse the attacks or their ideology. Petition signatures do not establish a verified family majority.
Sources
- Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorialDirect interview with George Pataki
Documented position
Zohran Mamdani and September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows.
Attending the memorial is part of the mayor's civic responsibility
The mayor represents all New Yorkers and has the ordinary civic responsibility to bear witness alongside victims, survivors, and first responders. Mamdani has said he will attend for that purpose, and the ceremony's practice of keeping officials from speaking limits the risk that he uses it as a political platform.
Related claim
Zohran Mamdani said he will attend the 2026 commemoration to honor people affected by the September 11 attacks and described the attacks as a horrific act of terror.
Limit of this argument
Some bereaved relatives sincerely say Mamdani’s presence would deepen their pain, and the record should not presume every critic is motivated by anti-Muslim prejudice. The official ceremony should remain centered on those killed and affected by the attacks.
Sources
- FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendanceMayor’s remarks at West Indian Day Parade breakfast
- Mayor Mamdani to Declare Sept. 11th an Official Day of Remembrance and ServiceMayor’s Office news release
- September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows statement on Mayor Mamdani at Ground ZeroOrganization statement
- N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and Schumer
Response from Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani
Mamdani confirmed that he will attend the memorial and framed his attendance around victims’ families, first responders, and remembrance.
Read the statement and sourcesRudy Giuliani
Giuliani said Mamdani should skip the commemoration and presented Mamdani’s planned attendance as offensive. His broader assertions about Mamdani and Muslims are treated as Giuliani’s position, not established facts.
Read the statement and sourcesGeorge Pataki
Pataki said Mamdani should not attend, citing Mamdani’s continued association with Hasan Piker and Mamdani’s prior response to “globalize the intifada.”
Read the statement and sourcesSeptember 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows supported Mamdani’s attendance as consistent with prior mayors’ responsibility to bear witness and rejected the grounds offered for excluding him.
Read the statement and sourcesDocumented responses
Reactions
28 latest responses. Dates: July 28, 2026 to September 10, 2026
28 responses on this page
Cheri Sparacio - September 11 victim's widow speaking personallyCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"It is strictly about the policies that he has today"
Sparacio opposed Mamdani's attendance on the basis of his policies and associations, including his relationship with Hasan Piker, while saying her objection was not to his religion or background.
Why we used this label
The article identifies her participation in the campaign against attendance and records her stated reasons for that opposition.
Before the statement
Sparacio joined other victims' relatives in a campaign asking Mamdani to stay away from the memorial ceremony.
After the statement
This is her personal position, not the view of all September 11 families. CNN separately records Hanif's disagreement about religious discrimination. The interview time is unknown; 12:00Z on September 10 is a report-date proxy.
CNN interviews Shahana Hanif and Cheri Sparacio about Mamdani's memorial attendanceHanif and Sparacio quotations in Partisan rancor threatens solemn unity of 9/11 ceremonyShahana Hanif - New York City Council member giving her own interview responseDefended or excused
Responding to
Response to the case
"being treated differently simply because he is Muslim"
Hanif opposed efforts to exclude Mamdani from the memorial, arguing that he was being treated differently because of his Muslim identity and invoking Muslim New Yorkers' losses and experiences after September 11.
Why we used this label
She directly challenges the exclusion campaign and defends Mamdani's participation; her account of the opponents' motivation is attributed rather than independently established.
Before the statement
Some former officials and victims' relatives had requested that Mamdani not attend the September 11 ceremony; he said he would attend.
After the statement
CNN also interviewed an opponent who expressly denied a religious rationale. The exact interview time is unknown; occurredAt is a September 10 report-date proxy set to 12:00Z, not an asserted time of speech.
CNN interviews Shahana Hanif and Cheri Sparacio about Mamdani's memorial attendanceHanif and Sparacio quotations in Partisan rancor threatens solemn unity of 9/11 ceremonyJoann Ariola - Member of the New York City CouncilCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“demanded that Mayor Mamdani stay away from this year’s ceremonies”"
Ariola said she joined 9/11 families at City Hall and demanded that Mamdani stay away.
Why we used this label
Her public statement expressly supports non-attendance.
Before the statement
Petition organizers delivered signatures to City Hall before the anniversary.
After the statement
Ariola linked her demand to objections raised by participating family members.
Families deliver petition urging Mamdani to skip 9/11 ceremonyJoann Ariola statement about September 8 City Hall eventBill Donohue - President of the Catholic LeagueCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“Mamdani, do us all a favor and just stay home!”"
Donohue told Mamdani to stay away from the anniversary ceremony.
Why we used this label
He made a direct demand for non-attendance.
Before the statement
Donohue joined petition supporters at a City Hall press conference.
After the statement
He criticized Mamdani's record and framed attendance as disrespectful.
Bill Donohue calls for Mamdani to skip 9/11 memorial ceremonyCatholic League page linking original Fox News X videoVickie Paladino - Member of the New York City CouncilCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“I am demanding he not show his face at that sacred ground.”"
Paladino demanded that Mamdani not attend the Ground Zero commemoration.
Why we used this label
She explicitly called for his exclusion.
Before the statement
Paladino spoke at a City Hall press conference organized around the exclusion petition.
After the statement
She cited Mamdani's political associations and appointments as her rationale.
Vickie Paladino demands Zohran Mamdani skip 9/11 ceremonyCity Hall press conference remarks and videoWalter Matuza - 9/11 family memberCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“Respectfully, stay away from the ceremony on 9/11 at ground zero.”"
Matuza directly asked Mamdani not to attend the Ground Zero ceremony.
Why we used this label
He expressly requested non-attendance.
Before the statement
Matuza participated in a family-led petition event before the anniversary.
After the statement
He described attendance as disrespectful to participating family members.
9/11 victims’ families petition against Mamdani attending ceremonyInterview with Walter MatuzaCharles Wolf - 9/11 widower and family advocateCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“Mayor Mamdani, please do not come.”"
Wolf personally asked Mamdani not to attend, saying the mayor had not supported families in ways prior officials had.
Why we used this label
He explicitly requested non-attendance.
Before the statement
Wolf spoke with other family members and elected officials at City Hall.
After the statement
He said the ceremony revives trauma and should remain centered on families.
Families of 9/11 victims ask Mamdani not to attend memorial ceremonyCity Hall press conference and embedded videoLetitia James - Attorney General of New YorkDefended or excused
Responding to
Response to the case
"“he will be there on 9/11”"
James said Mamdani represents New York City and would attend the commemoration.
Why we used this label
She expressly defended the sitting mayor's attendance.
Before the statement
Officials were responding to Giuliani's demand that Mamdani stay away.
After the statement
James said she would also attend.
Mark Levine - Manhattan borough presidentDefended or excused
Responding to
Response to the case
"“won’t listen to him”"
Levine said he hoped Mamdani would not follow Giuliani's demand to stay away.
Why we used this label
He opposed the demand and supported Mamdani proceeding with attendance.
Before the statement
Levine was asked about Giuliani's demand that Mamdani not attend.
After the statement
He argued Giuliani lacked credibility to make that demand.
N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and SchumerJumaane Williams - New York City public advocateChallenged the characterization
Responding to
Response to the case
"“should have shut up”"
Williams sharply rebuked Giuliani for calling on Mamdani to skip the commemoration.
Why we used this label
The statement challenges the legitimacy of Giuliani's intervention rather than separately explaining attendance.
Before the statement
Officials were responding to Giuliani's exclusion demand.
After the statement
Williams did not provide a separate rationale about ceremony protocol in the cited excerpt.
N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and SchumerChuck Schumer - United States senator from New YorkDefended or excused
Responding to
Response to the case
"“of course he should be at 9/11”"
Schumer said Mamdani should attend in his capacity as mayor and urged Giuliani not to be divisive.
Why we used this label
He explicitly said Mamdani should attend.
Before the statement
Giuliani had called for Mamdani to skip the ceremony.
After the statement
Schumer urged political figures to bring people together.
N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and SchumerZohran Mamdani - Mayor of New York CityDefended or excused
Responding to
Zohran Mamdani said he will attend the 2026 commemoration to honor people affected by the September 11 attacks and described the attacks as a horrific act of terror.
"“What I want this week to be a focus on is on the families whose loved ones were stolen from them 25 years ago in the horrific act of terror of September 11.”"
Mamdani confirmed that he will attend the memorial and framed his attendance around victims’ families, first responders, and remembrance.
Why we used this label
Mamdani explicitly defended proceeding with his planned attendance.
Before the statement
Mamdani answered questions amid public calls from some critics for him not to attend the annual ceremony.
After the statement
He said he would attend events honoring first responders’ courage and established a Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service through executive order.
FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendanceMayor’s remarks at West Indian Day Parade breakfastMayor Mamdani to Declare Sept. 11th an Official Day of Remembrance and ServiceMayor’s Office news releaseRudy Giuliani - Former mayor of New York City during the September 11, 2001 attacksCondemned
Responding to
Rudy Giuliani said Mayor Zohran Mamdani should skip the 2026 9/11 memorial and characterized Mamdani’s attendance as offensive.
"“Having lost friends there and being very close to many of the families, it offends me that he’s coming.”"
Giuliani said Mamdani should skip the commemoration and presented Mamdani’s planned attendance as offensive. His broader assertions about Mamdani and Muslims are treated as Giuliani’s position, not established facts.
Why we used this label
Giuliani expressly urged exclusion from the ceremony and framed Mamdani as unsuitable to attend.
Before the statement
During a Newsmax appearance, Giuliani was asked whether Mamdani should skip the 25th-anniversary commemoration.
After the statement
Giuliani continued with assertions about Mamdani, Islam, and the attackers. The case separately records Mamdani’s stated reason for attending and named responses supporting his attendance.
Maureen Santora - 9/11 family memberMixed or conditional
Responding to
Response to the case
"“I just hope that he doesn’t say a single word”"
Santora objected to Mamdani speaking but did not explicitly demand that he be absent.
Why we used this label
Her stated condition concerns silence at the ceremony, not attendance itself.
Before the statement
Santora discussed Mamdani's announced plan to attend.
After the statement
She said many family members would be upset if he spoke.
9/11 relatives discuss Mamdani’s planned attendance at memorial ceremonyReported remarks by Maureen Santora and Angie PesceAngie Pesce - 9/11 family memberCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“he’ll show up to be spiteful”"
Pesce said she believed Mamdani would attend out of spite and planned to respond through silence or disengagement.
Why we used this label
She condemned his planned attendance by attributing a hostile motive to it.
Before the statement
Pesce was asked how she would respond if Mamdani attended despite family objections.
After the statement
The report placed her statement among relatives planning to ignore him.
9/11 relatives discuss Mamdani’s planned attendance at memorial ceremonyReported remarks by Maureen Santora and Angie PesceGeorge Pataki - Former governor of New YorkCondemned
Responding to
George Pataki said Mamdani should not attend because of Mamdani’s continuing association with Hasan Piker and his past response to the phrase “globalize the intifada.”
"“Anyone who has refused to reject the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’ ... should not be at that site.”"
Pataki said Mamdani should not attend, citing Mamdani’s continued association with Hasan Piker and Mamdani’s prior response to “globalize the intifada.”
Why we used this label
Pataki directly called for Mamdani to skip the memorial.
Before the statement
In a direct interview with City & State, Pataki addressed the approaching 25th-anniversary memorial and demands that Mamdani not attend.
After the statement
City & State notes that Mamdani condemned Piker’s earlier 9/11 remark and that Piker disavowed it; the case does not treat Pataki’s rationale as independently established.
Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorialDirect interview with George PatakiMichael LaRosa - Former spokesperson for first lady Jill BidenCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“lightning rod”"
LaRosa signed the exclusion petition and warned that Mamdani's presence would divert attention from victims and families.
Why we used this label
Signing the petition establishes opposition; the quotation captures his stated concern about distraction.
Before the statement
The petition had attracted support from people outside Republican politics.
After the statement
LaRosa argued that attention should remain on victims and their loved ones. The August 29 timestamp is the date assigned to the earlier report, not a verified time of his statement; the September 9 report provides additional corroboration.
Retired Port Authority officers tell Mamdani and Hochul to stay away from Ground ZeroJohn McDevitt’s August 14 letters and Michael LaRosa’s petition statementMichael LaRosa explains opposition to Mamdani's attendance in a TNND interviewLaRosa's explanation of signing the petition and concern about distractionGiovanni Galante - 9/11 widower and petition organizerCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“having Mamdani there would show a disrespect to our family members”"
Galante said Mamdani's presence would disrespect families because of people the mayor supports.
Why we used this label
He organized the exclusion petition and explicitly objected to attendance.
Before the statement
Galante discussed why he helped organize the petition.
After the statement
Mamdani responded that he would attend to honor families, survivors, and first responders.
Petition from 9/11 families asks Mayor Mamdani not to attend remembrance ceremonyInterview with petition organizer Giovanni GalanteJohn McDevitt - President of the Port Authority Retired Police AssociationCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“We believe your presence at Ground Zero ... would cause deep pain.”"
McDevitt asked Mamdani not to attend on behalf of retired Port Authority police officers.
Why we used this label
The association's letter explicitly opposed attendance and proposed alternative forms of remembrance.
Before the statement
The association wrote separately to Mamdani and Hochul ahead of the anniversary.
After the statement
McDevitt suggested a written statement, public message, or separate event instead.
Retired Port Authority officers tell Mamdani and Hochul to stay away from Ground ZeroJohn McDevitt’s August 14 letters and Michael LaRosa’s petition statementCurtis Sliwa - Political figure and radio hostDefended or excused
Responding to
Response to the case
"“He’s the mayor. Stop being sore losers!”"
Sliwa called the effort to exclude Mamdani ridiculous and said the office of mayor should be respected.
Why we used this label
He directly defended Mamdani's attendance based on his elected office.
Before the statement
Reporters asked Sliwa about the campaign to stop Mamdani from attending.
After the statement
Sliwa said families could choose their own response but that Mamdani represents the city.
Curtis Sliwa calls campaign to exclude Mamdani from 9/11 ceremony “ridiculous”Direct remarks and embedded X videoTim Sheehy - United States senator from MontanaCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“those families should have the say who’s going to show up”"
Sheehy backed the petition by arguing that affected families should decide who attends.
Why we used this label
He supported the petitioners' authority to exclude Mamdani.
Before the statement
Fox News asked senators whether Mamdani should attend given petitioners' objections.
After the statement
Sheehy also criticized Mamdani's political positions and associations.
GOP senators back 9/11 families’ petition to exclude MamdaniInterviews with Sens. Tim Sheehy and John KennedyJohn Kennedy - United States senator from LouisianaMixed or conditional
Responding to
Response to the case
"“It might be appropriate if he goes while wearing a paper bag over his head.”"
Kennedy responded to the attendance question with a disparaging conditional statement rather than an unambiguous yes or no.
Why we used this label
The statement permits attendance only rhetorically and under a humiliating condition, so it is recorded as mixed or conditional.
Before the statement
Fox News asked senators whether it would be appropriate for Mamdani to attend.
After the statement
Kennedy did not provide a separate direct answer in the cited report.
GOP senators back 9/11 families’ petition to exclude MamdaniInterviews with Sens. Tim Sheehy and John KennedyBruce Blakeman - Nassau County executive and gubernatorial candidateCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“You wouldn’t show up to a wake where you aren’t wanted.”"
Blakeman argued that Mamdani's attendance would be inappropriate and proposed a silent protest if he attended.
Why we used this label
The funeral analogy and protest proposal communicate opposition to attendance.
Before the statement
Blakeman discussed objections raised by some 9/11 families.
After the statement
He suggested attendees could turn their backs without disrupting the ceremony.
Bruce Blakeman calls for silent protest against Mamdani at 9/11 memorialDirect interview with Bruce BlakemanEdward Ahmed Mitchell - Deputy executive director of the Council on American-Islamic RelationsChallenged the characterization
Responding to
Response to the case
"“anti-Muslim bigotry, plain and simple”"
Mitchell said excluding Mamdani because he is Muslim or through guilt-by-association arguments would be anti-Muslim bigotry.
Why we used this label
He challenged the stated basis for exclusion rather than discussing ceremony logistics.
Before the statement
Supporters of the petition cited Mamdani's identity, associations, and political record.
After the statement
Mitchell characterized those exclusion arguments as discriminatory.
Some 9/11 families defend Mayor Mamdani’s inclusion at remembrance ceremonyInterviews with Elizabeth Miller and Edward Ahmed MitchellPatricia Heaton - Actor and public commentatorCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“Keep it going New Yorkers.”"
Heaton encouraged continued support for the petition seeking to bar Mamdani from the ceremony.
Why we used this label
Her endorsement of the petition communicates support for excluding Mamdani.
Before the statement
Heaton shared material promoting the family-organized petition on X.
After the statement
The shared material argued that Mamdani should be barred from the commemoration.
Patricia Heaton supports petition to exclude Mamdani from 9/11 ceremonyHeaton X post and James Woods appearance on The Benny ShowElizabeth Miller - 9/11 family member and project director of September 11th Families for Peaceful TomorrowsDefended or excused
Responding to
Response to the case
"“I think he should be allowed to do that.”"
Miller said Mamdani had assured families that he wanted to honor their loved ones and should be allowed to attend.
Why we used this label
She explicitly supported allowing Mamdani to attend for remembrance.
Before the statement
A petition had asked that Mamdani be excluded from the commemoration.
After the statement
Miller stressed that the focus should remain on remembrance 25 years later.
Some 9/11 families defend Mayor Mamdani’s inclusion at remembrance ceremonyInterviews with Elizabeth Miller and Edward Ahmed MitchellJillian Michaels - Podcast host and media personalityCondemned
Responding to
Response to the case
"“It is a literal act of contempt. He’s not honoring their grief.”"
Michaels characterized Mamdani's planned attendance as contemptuous toward families who wanted him absent.
Why we used this label
She directly condemned the decision to attend and described it as antagonistic.
Before the statement
Michaels introduced a segment about the petition and played Mamdani's response.
After the statement
She argued that his attendance demonstrated power rather than remembrance.
Mamdani Trolls 9/11 VictimsKeeping It Real, 1:02-9:20September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows - Organization of September 11 family membersChallenged the characterization
Responding to
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows said Mamdani’s planned attendance is consistent with the responsibility undertaken by prior New York City mayors and condemned the campaign to exclude him as containing Islamophobic sentiment.
"“We strongly condemn the anti-American accusations and Islamophobic sentiment underlying the effort seeking to prevent him from being at Ground Zero.”"
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows supported Mamdani’s attendance as consistent with prior mayors’ responsibility to bear witness and rejected the grounds offered for excluding him.
Why we used this label
The group explicitly disputed the characterizations used in the exclusion campaign while supporting attendance.
Before the statement
The organization responded to an ongoing campaign and petition asking that Mamdani be excluded from Ground Zero commemorations.
After the statement
Its statement supports attendance by anyone coming to pay respects and describes the mayor’s planned presence as consistent with preceding mayors’ role.
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows statement on Mayor Mamdani at Ground ZeroOrganization statement
Case timeline
35 timeline entries on this page. Dates: July 28, 2026 to September 10, 2026
- Condemned
Cheri Sparacio
Sparacio opposed Mamdani's attendance on the basis of his policies and associations, including his relationship with Hasan Piker, while saying her objection was not to his religion or background.
Read statementCNN interviews Shahana Hanif and Cheri Sparacio about Mamdani's memorial attendanceHanif and Sparacio quotations in Partisan rancor threatens solemn unity of 9/11 ceremony - Defended or excused
Shahana Hanif
Hanif opposed efforts to exclude Mamdani from the memorial, arguing that he was being treated differently because of his Muslim identity and invoking Muslim New Yorkers' losses and experiences after September 11.
Read statementCNN interviews Shahana Hanif and Cheri Sparacio about Mamdani's memorial attendanceHanif and Sparacio quotations in Partisan rancor threatens solemn unity of 9/11 ceremony - Other
City briefing explains invitation-only memorial access and security
At a September 9 briefing, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch describe invitation-only access to the September 11 commemoration, screening and increased security. The transcript provides ceremony logistics, not a new endorsement or objection to Mamdani attending and not an account of the still-future ceremony. The time shown is a date-only placeholder; actual briefing time is unknown.
Sources
NYC's September 9 briefing on September 11 memorial access and securityMamdani's opening memorial-access remarks and Tisch's subsequent September11 security section. - Condemned
Walter Matuza
Matuza directly asked Mamdani not to attend the Ground Zero ceremony.
Read statement9/11 victims’ families petition against Mamdani attending ceremonyInterview with Walter Matuza - Condemned
Bill Donohue
Donohue told Mamdani to stay away from the anniversary ceremony.
Read statementBill Donohue calls for Mamdani to skip 9/11 memorial ceremonyCatholic League page linking original Fox News X video - Condemned
Charles Wolf
Wolf personally asked Mamdani not to attend, saying the mayor had not supported families in ways prior officials had.
Read statementFamilies of 9/11 victims ask Mamdani not to attend memorial ceremonyCity Hall press conference and embedded video - Condemned
Joann Ariola
Ariola said she joined 9/11 families at City Hall and demanded that Mamdani stay away.
Read statementFamilies deliver petition urging Mamdani to skip 9/11 ceremonyJoann Ariola statement about September 8 City Hall event - Condemned
Vickie Paladino
Paladino demanded that Mamdani not attend the Ground Zero commemoration.
Read statementVickie Paladino demands Zohran Mamdani skip 9/11 ceremonyCity Hall press conference remarks and video - Source release
Suffolk poll finds 74% of surveyed NYC voters support Mamdani attending
A Suffolk University CityView poll found 74% of surveyed registered New York City voters said Mamdani should attend the 25th anniversary commemoration, while 20% said he should not. The live-telephone survey interviewed 500 registered voters across all five boroughs from September 1 through September 3, 2026, and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.
Sources
September 8, 2026 Suffolk CityView New York City pollSeptember 8, 2026 New York City poll documents and methodology - Defended or excused
Mark Levine
Levine said he hoped Mamdani would not follow Giuliani's demand to stay away.
Read statementN.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and Schumer - Challenged the characterization
Jumaane Williams
Williams sharply rebuked Giuliani for calling on Mamdani to skip the commemoration.
Read statementN.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and Schumer - Defended or excused
Chuck Schumer
Schumer said Mamdani should attend in his capacity as mayor and urged Giuliani not to be divisive.
Read statementN.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and Schumer - Defended or excused
Letitia James
James said Mamdani represents New York City and would attend the commemoration.
Read statement - Defended or excused
Zohran Mamdani
Mamdani confirmed that he will attend the memorial and framed his attendance around victims’ families, first responders, and remembrance.
Read statementFOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendanceMayor’s remarks at West Indian Day Parade breakfast - Reaction
Mamdani confirms he will attend
Mamdani said he would attend the memorial and other events to honor victims’ families and first responders, describing September 11 as a horrific act of terror.
Sources
FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendanceMayor’s remarks at West Indian Day Parade breakfastFOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendanceMayor’s remarks at West Indian Day Parade breakfastN.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and SchumerN.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and Schumer - Condemned
Rudy Giuliani
Giuliani said Mamdani should skip the commemoration and presented Mamdani’s planned attendance as offensive. His broader assertions about Mamdani and Muslims are treated as Giuliani’s position, not established facts.
Read statement - Reaction
Giuliani says Mamdani’s attendance offends him
In a Newsmax appearance, Giuliani said Mamdani should skip the commemoration and made broader claims about Mamdani and Muslims.
Sources
- Mixed or conditional
Maureen Santora
Santora objected to Mamdani speaking but did not explicitly demand that he be absent.
Read statement9/11 relatives discuss Mamdani’s planned attendance at memorial ceremonyReported remarks by Maureen Santora and Angie Pesce - Condemned
Angie Pesce
Pesce said she believed Mamdani would attend out of spite and planned to respond through silence or disengagement.
Read statement9/11 relatives discuss Mamdani’s planned attendance at memorial ceremonyReported remarks by Maureen Santora and Angie Pesce - Source release
Mamdani establishes a September 11 Day of Remembrance and Service
Mamdani announced executive orders to establish a citywide day of remembrance and service and update emergency-preparedness operations.
Sources
Mayor Mamdani to Declare Sept. 11th an Official Day of Remembrance and ServiceMayor’s Office news release - Condemned
George Pataki
Pataki said Mamdani should not attend, citing Mamdani’s continued association with Hasan Piker and Mamdani’s prior response to “globalize the intifada.”
Read statementPataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorialDirect interview with George Pataki - Reaction
Pataki asks Mamdani to skip the memorial
George Pataki said Mamdani should not attend, citing Mamdani’s association with Hasan Piker and prior response to “globalize the intifada.”
Sources
Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorialDirect interview with George Pataki - Condemned
Michael LaRosa
LaRosa signed the exclusion petition and warned that Mamdani's presence would divert attention from victims and families.
Read statementMichael LaRosa explains opposition to Mamdani's attendance in a TNND interviewLaRosa's explanation of signing the petition and concern about distraction - Condemned
Giovanni Galante
Galante said Mamdani's presence would disrespect families because of people the mayor supports.
Read statementPetition from 9/11 families asks Mayor Mamdani not to attend remembrance ceremonyInterview with petition organizer Giovanni Galante - Condemned
John McDevitt
McDevitt asked Mamdani not to attend on behalf of retired Port Authority police officers.
Read statementRetired Port Authority officers tell Mamdani and Hochul to stay away from Ground ZeroJohn McDevitt’s August 14 letters and Michael LaRosa’s petition statement - Defended or excused
Curtis Sliwa
Sliwa called the effort to exclude Mamdani ridiculous and said the office of mayor should be respected.
Read statementCurtis Sliwa calls campaign to exclude Mamdani from 9/11 ceremony “ridiculous”Direct remarks and embedded X video - Mixed or conditional
John Kennedy
Kennedy responded to the attendance question with a disparaging conditional statement rather than an unambiguous yes or no.
Read statementGOP senators back 9/11 families’ petition to exclude MamdaniInterviews with Sens. Tim Sheehy and John Kennedy - Condemned
Tim Sheehy
Sheehy backed the petition by arguing that affected families should decide who attends.
Read statementGOP senators back 9/11 families’ petition to exclude MamdaniInterviews with Sens. Tim Sheehy and John Kennedy - Condemned
Bruce Blakeman
Blakeman argued that Mamdani's attendance would be inappropriate and proposed a silent protest if he attended.
Read statementBruce Blakeman calls for silent protest against Mamdani at 9/11 memorialDirect interview with Bruce Blakeman - Condemned
Patricia Heaton
Heaton encouraged continued support for the petition seeking to bar Mamdani from the ceremony.
Read statementPatricia Heaton supports petition to exclude Mamdani from 9/11 ceremonyHeaton X post and James Woods appearance on The Benny Show - Challenged the characterization
Edward Ahmed Mitchell
Mitchell said excluding Mamdani because he is Muslim or through guilt-by-association arguments would be anti-Muslim bigotry.
Read statementSome 9/11 families defend Mayor Mamdani’s inclusion at remembrance ceremonyInterviews with Elizabeth Miller and Edward Ahmed Mitchell - Defended or excused
Elizabeth Miller
Miller said Mamdani had assured families that he wanted to honor their loved ones and should be allowed to attend.
Read statementSome 9/11 families defend Mayor Mamdani’s inclusion at remembrance ceremonyInterviews with Elizabeth Miller and Edward Ahmed Mitchell - Condemned
Jillian Michaels
Michaels characterized Mamdani's planned attendance as contemptuous toward families who wanted him absent.
Read statementMamdani Trolls 9/11 VictimsKeeping It Real, 1:02-9:20 - Challenged the characterization
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows supported Mamdani’s attendance as consistent with prior mayors’ responsibility to bear witness and rejected the grounds offered for excluding him.
Read statementSeptember 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows statement on Mayor Mamdani at Ground ZeroOrganization statement - Reaction
Peaceful Tomorrows supports Mamdani’s attendance
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows said Mamdani’s attendance would follow prior mayors’ responsibility to bear witness and challenged the exclusion campaign’s framing.
Sources
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows statement on Mayor Mamdani at Ground ZeroOrganization statement
Full sources
Newsmax interview: Rudy Giuliani on Zohran Mamdani’s planned 9/11 memorial attendance
Original post
Newsmax interview: Rudy Giuliani on Zohran Mamdani’s planned 9/11 memorial attendance
Relevant passage: Full segment
Excerpt
"“Having lost friends there and being very close to many of the families, it offends me that he’s coming.”"
About this source
Full Newsmax interview cited and linked by NY1. Giuliani said Mamdani should skip the memorial and made broader claims about Mamdani and Muslims; those claims are recorded as Giuliani’s assertions, not established facts.
Source details
- Published
- Accessed
NYC's September 9 briefing on September 11 memorial access and security
Official statement
NYC's September 9 briefing on September 11 memorial access and security
Relevant passage: Mamdani's opening memorial-access remarks and Tisch's subsequent September11 security section.
Excerpt
"Please remember that this event is not open to the general public."
About this source
Original city transcript of a September 9 security briefing ahead of the September 11 commemoration and Jewish High Holidays. Mamdani and Tisch describe invitation-only access, screening and increased security. This establishes ceremony logistics, not a pro- or anti-Mamdani attendance stance by police leadership and not events at the still-future ceremony. September 9 is the displayed publication date; 12:00 UTC is a date-only placeholder, actual briefing time unknown.
Source details
- Author
- New York City Mayor's Office; Zohran Mamdani and Jessica S. Tisch
- Published
- Accessed
CNN interviews Shahana Hanif and Cheri Sparacio about Mamdani's memorial attendance
Interview
CNN interviews Shahana Hanif and Cheri Sparacio about Mamdani's memorial attendance
Relevant passage: Hanif and Sparacio quotations in Partisan rancor threatens solemn unity of 9/11 ceremony
Excerpt
"Hanif: being treated differently simply because he is Muslim. Sparacio: It is strictly about the policies that he has today."
About this source
CNN's original reporting directly attributes different positions to city council member Shahana Hanif and victim's widow Cheri Sparacio. Hanif objects to exclusion on religious grounds; Sparacio says her objection concerns Mamdani's policies and associations, not his religion. The page specifies publication on September 10 at 5:00 a.m. ET. The individual interview times are unknown; related positions use September 10 at 12:00Z only as a publication-date proxy.
Source details
- Author
- Gloria Pazmino
- Published
- Accessed
Michael LaRosa explains opposition to Mamdani's attendance in a TNND interview
Interview
Michael LaRosa explains opposition to Mamdani's attendance in a TNND interview
Relevant passage: LaRosa's explanation of signing the petition and concern about distraction
Excerpt
"I do not think he should attend"
About this source
TNND quotes LaRosa confirming his petition signature and arguing that Mamdani's presence would distract from remembrance. This supplements the evidence for existing DI position 225; it is not a newly counted reactor or a statement by Jill Biden. The article displays September 9 at 8:06 p.m. without an explicit timezone; 12:00Z is a date-only placeholder, not the actual interview or publication time.
Source details
- Author
- The National News Desk
- Published
- Accessed
N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani should not attend 9/11 memorial
Reporting
N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani should not attend 9/11 memorial
About this source
NY1 reporting quotes Attorney General Letitia James saying that Mayor Zohran Mamdani represents New York City and will attend the September 11 memorial. It also includes her statement that she will attend.
Source details
- Author
- Jillian Jorgensen
- Published
- Accessed
9/11 relatives discuss Mamdani’s planned attendance at memorial ceremony
Reporting
9/11 relatives discuss Mamdani’s planned attendance at memorial ceremony
Relevant passage: Reported remarks by Maureen Santora and Angie Pesce
Excerpt
"“he’ll show up to be spiteful”"
About this source
Reports individual family-member reactions originally published by the New York Post, including a criticism of Mamdani's motive and a request that he remain silent.
Source details
- Author
- Mark Tanos
- Published
- Accessed
September 8, 2026 Suffolk CityView New York City poll
Official statement
September 8, 2026 Suffolk CityView New York City poll
Relevant passage: September 8, 2026 New York City poll documents and methodology
About this source
Official poll page. Live telephone survey of 500 registered New York City voters conducted September 1-3, 2026; margin of error plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. Reported result on attendance was 74% should attend and 20% should not.
Source details
- Author
- Suffolk University Political Research Center
- Published
- Accessed
9/11 victims’ families petition against Mamdani attending ceremony
Reporting
9/11 victims’ families petition against Mamdani attending ceremony
Relevant passage: Interview with Walter Matuza
Excerpt
"“Respectfully, stay away from the ceremony on 9/11 at ground zero.”"
About this source
Video report quoting Matuza's direct request that Mamdani not attend.
Source details
- Author
- Katie Vasquez
- Published
- Accessed
Mamdani Trolls 9/11 Victims
Analysis
Mamdani Trolls 9/11 Victims
Relevant passage: Keeping It Real, 1:02-9:20
Excerpt
"“It is a literal act of contempt. He’s not honoring their grief.”"
About this source
Episode page and transcript containing Michaels' direct commentary on Mamdani's announced attendance.
Source details
- Author
- Jillian Michaels
- Published
- Accessed
GOP senators back 9/11 families’ petition to exclude Mamdani
Reporting
GOP senators back 9/11 families’ petition to exclude Mamdani
Relevant passage: Interviews with Sens. Tim Sheehy and John Kennedy
Excerpt
"“those families should have the say who’s going to show up”"
About this source
Reports senators' responses to the petition. Sheehy endorsed giving families control over attendance; Kennedy answered with a disparaging conditional statement.
Source details
- Author
- Hannah Brennan
- Published
- Accessed
Patricia Heaton supports petition to exclude Mamdani from 9/11 ceremony
Reporting
Patricia Heaton supports petition to exclude Mamdani from 9/11 ceremony
Relevant passage: Heaton X post and James Woods appearance on The Benny Show
Excerpt
"“Keep it going New Yorkers.”"
About this source
Reports Heaton's direct X endorsement of the petition and an exchange between James Woods and Benny Johnson. The Woods exchange raises the issue but does not establish a clean personal attendance position.
Source details
- Author
- Alana Mastrangelo
- Published
- Accessed
Bill Donohue calls for Mamdani to skip 9/11 memorial ceremony
Official statement
Bill Donohue calls for Mamdani to skip 9/11 memorial ceremony
Relevant passage: Catholic League page linking original Fox News X video
Excerpt
"“stay away from the upcoming 25th anniversary memorial ceremony”"
About this source
Catholic League page describing Donohue's City Hall remarks and linking the original Fox News X video.
Source details
- Published
- Accessed
Petition from 9/11 families asks Mayor Mamdani not to attend remembrance ceremony
Reporting
Petition from 9/11 families asks Mayor Mamdani not to attend remembrance ceremony
Relevant passage: Interview with petition organizer Giovanni Galante
Excerpt
"“having Mamdani there would show a disrespect to our family members”"
About this source
CBS New York interview with petition organizer Giovanni Galante, plus Mamdani's response and institutional context from the memorial.
Source details
- Author
- Lisa Rozner and CBS New York Team
- Published
- Accessed
Retired Port Authority officers tell Mamdani and Hochul to stay away from Ground Zero
Reporting
Retired Port Authority officers tell Mamdani and Hochul to stay away from Ground Zero
Relevant passage: John McDevitt’s August 14 letters and Michael LaRosa’s petition statement
Excerpt
"“We believe your presence at Ground Zero ... would cause deep pain.”"
About this source
Quotes letters from Port Authority Retired Police Association president John McDevitt and reports Michael LaRosa's warning that Mamdani would become a distraction.
Source details
- Author
- Stepheny Price
- Published
- Accessed
Families of 9/11 victims ask Mamdani not to attend memorial ceremony
Reporting
Families of 9/11 victims ask Mamdani not to attend memorial ceremony
Relevant passage: City Hall press conference and embedded video
Excerpt
"“Mayor Mamdani, please do not come.”"
About this source
Reports direct remarks from Charles Wolf and other family members asking Mamdani not to attend.
Source details
- Author
- Eric Mack
- Published
- Accessed
Bruce Blakeman calls for silent protest against Mamdani at 9/11 memorial
Interview
Bruce Blakeman calls for silent protest against Mamdani at 9/11 memorial
Relevant passage: Direct interview with Bruce Blakeman
Excerpt
"“You wouldn’t show up to a wake where you aren’t wanted.”"
About this source
Directly quotes Blakeman arguing Mamdani's attendance would be inappropriate and suggesting a silent, non-disruptive protest.
Source details
- Published
- Accessed
Families deliver petition urging Mamdani to skip 9/11 ceremony
Reporting
Families deliver petition urging Mamdani to skip 9/11 ceremony
Relevant passage: Joann Ariola statement about September 8 City Hall event
Excerpt
"“demanded that Mayor Mamdani stay away from this year’s ceremonies”"
About this source
Reports Ariola's statement that she joined 9/11 families at City Hall and demanded that Mamdani stay away.
Source details
- Author
- Jessica Russak-Hoffman
- Published
- Accessed
Vickie Paladino demands Zohran Mamdani skip 9/11 ceremony
Reporting
Vickie Paladino demands Zohran Mamdani skip 9/11 ceremony
Relevant passage: City Hall press conference remarks and video
Excerpt
"“I am demanding he not show his face at that sacred ground.”"
About this source
Reports and reproduces Paladino's remarks at a City Hall press conference opposing Mamdani's attendance.
Source details
- Author
- Tom Durante
- Published
- Accessed
Some 9/11 families defend Mayor Mamdani’s inclusion at remembrance ceremony
Reporting
Some 9/11 families defend Mayor Mamdani’s inclusion at remembrance ceremony
Relevant passage: Interviews with Elizabeth Miller and Edward Ahmed Mitchell
Excerpt
"“I think he should be allowed to do that.”"
About this source
CBS New York interviews a 9/11 family member supporting Mamdani's attendance and a CAIR representative characterizing calls for exclusion as anti-Muslim bigotry.
Source details
- Author
- Ali Bauman
- Published
- Accessed
Curtis Sliwa calls campaign to exclude Mamdani from 9/11 ceremony “ridiculous”
Reporting
Curtis Sliwa calls campaign to exclude Mamdani from 9/11 ceremony “ridiculous”
Relevant passage: Direct remarks and embedded X video
Excerpt
"“He’s the mayor. Stop being sore losers!”"
About this source
Reports Sliwa's direct response to the campaign and embeds Elizabeth Kim's original X video of the exchange.
Source details
- Author
- Ahmad Austin Jr.
- Published
- Accessed
N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorial
Reporting
N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorial
Relevant passage: Statements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and Schumer
Excerpt
"“Mamdani is the mayor of New York City and of course he should be at 9/11.”"
About this source
NY1 links Giuliani’s original Newsmax appearance and reports Mamdani’s response and direct statements supporting attendance from state and city leaders.
Source details
- Published
- Accessed
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows statement on Mayor Mamdani at Ground Zero
Official statement
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows statement on Mayor Mamdani at Ground Zero
Relevant passage: Organization statement
Excerpt
"“We strongly condemn the anti-American accusations and Islamophobic sentiment underlying the effort seeking to prevent him from being at Ground Zero.”"
About this source
The organization states that Mamdani’s attendance follows the responsibility undertaken by prior New York City mayors and supports anyone who comes to pay respects.
Source details
- Published
- Accessed
Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorial
Reporting
Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorial
Relevant passage: Direct interview with George Pataki
Excerpt
"“I think anyone who doesn’t intentionally distance themselves from Hasan Piker ... should not be there.”"
About this source
City & State reports Pataki’s rationale, notes that Mamdani condemned Piker’s 9/11 comments and that Piker disavowed them, and records Mamdani’s commitment to attend.
Source details
- Published
- Accessed
Mayor Mamdani to Declare Sept. 11th an Official Day of Remembrance and Service
Official statement
Mayor Mamdani to Declare Sept. 11th an Official Day of Remembrance and Service
Relevant passage: Mayor’s Office news release
Excerpt
"“Never Forget” is not a slogan. It is a commitment that we must carry forward through action."
About this source
Official city release announcing executive orders establishing a September 11 Day of Remembrance and Service and emergency-preparedness measures.
Source details
- Published
- Accessed
FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendance
Original video
FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendance
Relevant passage: Mayor’s remarks at West Indian Day Parade breakfast
Excerpt
"“What I want this week to be a focus on is on the families whose loved ones were stolen from them 25 years ago in the horrific act of terror of September 11.”"
About this source
Video of Mamdani answering questions and confirming he will attend the memorial. The full remarks also state that he will attend events memorializing first responders’ courage.
Source details
- Published
- Accessed
Accountability
Corrections and right to reply
Corrections address errors in our reporting or labels. When a speaker changes their position, we add a separate statement and link it to the earlier one.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Charles Wolf
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The direct request to stay away concerns the memorial and support for affected families. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Reports direct remarks from Charles Wolf and other family members asking Mamdani not to attend.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Cheri Sparacio
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks; Islamophobia.
Taxonomy-only correction. Sparacio explicitly contests the religious-discrimination explanation while opposing memorial attendance on policy and association grounds. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
CNN's original reporting directly attributes different positions to city council member Shahana Hanif and victim's widow Cheri Sparacio. Hanif objects to exclusion on religious grounds; Sparacio says her objection concerns Mamdani's policies and associations, not his religion. The page specifies publication on September 10 at 5:00 a.m. ET. The individual interview times are unknown; related positions use September 10 at 12:00Z only as a publication-date proxy.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Shahana Hanif
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks; Islamophobia.
Taxonomy-only correction. Hanif explicitly argues that exclusion from the September 11 memorial treats Mamdani differently because he is Muslim. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
CNN's original reporting directly attributes different positions to city council member Shahana Hanif and victim's widow Cheri Sparacio. Hanif objects to exclusion on religious grounds; Sparacio says her objection concerns Mamdani's policies and associations, not his religion. The page specifies publication on September 10 at 5:00 a.m. ET. The individual interview times are unknown; related positions use September 10 at 12:00Z only as a publication-date proxy.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Maureen Santora
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The objection is specifically to speaking at the commemoration, not necessarily attendance or religious identity. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Reports individual family-member reactions originally published by the New York Post, including a criticism of Mamdani's motive and a request that he remain silent.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Angie Pesce
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The statement predicts spiteful attendance and discusses disengagement at the memorial. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Reports individual family-member reactions originally published by the New York Post, including a criticism of Mamdani's motive and a request that he remain silent.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Walter Matuza
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The direct request is to stay away from the Ground Zero commemoration. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Video report quoting Matuza's direct request that Mamdani not attend.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Jillian Michaels
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The criticism concerns attendance as disrespect toward grieving families. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Episode page and transcript containing Michaels' direct commentary on Mamdani's announced attendance.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Michael LaRosa
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The lightning-rod objection concerns distraction from September 11 victims and families, not a new religious or violence claim. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Quotes letters from Port Authority Retired Police Association president John McDevitt and reports Michael LaRosa's warning that Mamdani would become a distraction.
TNND quotes LaRosa confirming his petition signature and arguing that Mamdani's presence would distract from remembrance. This supplements the evidence for existing DI position 225; it is not a newly counted reactor or a statement by Jill Biden. The article displays September 9 at 8:06 p.m. without an explicit timezone; 12:00Z is a date-only placeholder, not the actual interview or publication time.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by John Kennedy
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The disparaging conditional response concerns whether and how Mamdani should attend. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Reports senators' responses to the petition. Sheehy endorsed giving families control over attendance; Kennedy answered with a disparaging conditional statement.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Patricia Heaton
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The encouragement supports the memorial-exclusion petition. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Reports Heaton's direct X endorsement of the petition and an exchange between James Woods and Benny Johnson. The Woods exchange raises the issue but does not establish a clean personal attendance position.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Tim Sheehy
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The statement assigns families authority over who attends the commemoration. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Reports senators' responses to the petition. Sheehy endorsed giving families control over attendance; Kennedy answered with a disparaging conditional statement.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by John McDevitt
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The retired officers' request concerns the pain they associate with memorial attendance. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Quotes letters from Port Authority Retired Police Association president John McDevitt and reports Michael LaRosa's warning that Mamdani would become a distraction.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Bill Donohue
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The stay-home demand concerns participation in the September 11 ceremony. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Catholic League page describing Donohue's City Hall remarks and linking the original Fox News X video.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Giovanni Galante
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The perceived disrespect is specifically Mamdani's presence at the families' commemoration. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
CBS New York interview with petition organizer Giovanni Galante, plus Mamdani's response and institutional context from the memorial.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Bruce Blakeman
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The analogy and proposed silent protest concern unwelcome attendance at the memorial. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Directly quotes Blakeman arguing Mamdani's attendance would be inappropriate and suggesting a silent, non-disruptive protest.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Vickie Paladino
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The demand is that Mamdani not attend the September 11 commemoration. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Reports and reproduces Paladino's remarks at a City Hall press conference opposing Mamdani's attendance.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Edward Ahmed Mitchell
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks; Islamophobia.
Taxonomy-only correction. The statement explicitly characterizes exclusion on Muslim identity or guilt by association as anti-Muslim bigotry. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
CBS New York interviews a 9/11 family member supporting Mamdani's attendance and a CAIR representative characterizing calls for exclusion as anti-Muslim bigotry.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Elizabeth Miller
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The family's permission to honor loved ones at the memorial is the subject. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
CBS New York interviews a 9/11 family member supporting Mamdani's attendance and a CAIR representative characterizing calls for exclusion as anti-Muslim bigotry.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Curtis Sliwa
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The statement defends the mayor's participation in the commemoration, not a current election campaign. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Reports Sliwa's direct response to the campaign and embeds Elizabeth Kim's original X video of the exchange.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Mark Levine
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The statement urges Mamdani not to follow the memorial-exclusion demand. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
NY1 links Giuliani’s original Newsmax appearance and reports Mamdani’s response and direct statements supporting attendance from state and city leaders.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Jumaane Williams
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The rebuke responds to the demand that Mamdani skip the memorial. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
NY1 links Giuliani’s original Newsmax appearance and reports Mamdani’s response and direct statements supporting attendance from state and city leaders.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Chuck Schumer
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The statement supports memorial attendance and unity; political office identifies capacity, not a separate election topic. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
NY1 links Giuliani’s original Newsmax appearance and reports Mamdani’s response and direct statements supporting attendance from state and city leaders.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Letitia James
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. Representation of New York at the September 11 commemoration is the operative subject. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
NY1 reporting quotes Attorney General Letitia James saying that Mayor Zohran Mamdani represents New York City and will attend the September 11 memorial. It also includes her statement that she will attend.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks; Islamophobia.
Taxonomy-only correction. The organization's memorial-attendance defense explicitly rejects Islamophobic grounds for exclusion. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
The organization states that Mamdani’s attendance follows the responsibility undertaken by prior New York City mayors and supports anyone who comes to pay respects.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by George Pataki
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. The stated conclusion concerns attendance at the September 11 site. The cited slogan and association supply his rationale, not a separate established violence claim. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
City & State reports Pataki’s rationale, notes that Mamdani condemned Piker’s 9/11 comments and that Piker disavowed them, and records Mamdani’s commitment to attend.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Rudy Giuliani
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks; Islamophobia.
Taxonomy-only correction. Opposition to memorial attendance includes broader assertions about Mamdani and Muslims; both memorial participation and disputed anti-Muslim framing are substantive. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Full Newsmax interview cited and linked by NY1. Giuliani said Mamdani should skip the memorial and made broader claims about Mamdani and Muslims; those claims are recorded as Giuliani’s assertions, not established facts.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Zohran Mamdani
- Previous language
- Topic associations: Anti-Muslim Bigotry and Islamophobia; Political Rhetoric and Violence.
- Corrected language
- Topic associations: September 11 Attacks.
Taxonomy-only correction. Attendance is framed around September 11 victims, responders and remembrance; no separate religion-based exclusion claim is made. The quotation, attribution, stance classification, sources, and dates are unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Video of Mamdani answering questions and confirming he will attend the memorial. The full remarks also state that he will attend events memorializing first responders’ courage.
Official city release announcing executive orders establishing a September 11 Day of Remembrance and Service and emergency-preparedness measures.