Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?
Rudy Giuliani, George Pataki, and some September 11 victims’ relatives opposed Zohran Mamdani attending the 2026 memorial, citing his rhetoric and associations. Mamdani said he would honor victims; other elected officials and a family group said excluding the sitting mayor would politicize the commemoration.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
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.
People in this case
Zohran MamdaniDirectly involved
Rudy GiulianiDirectly involved
George PatakiDirectly involved
Timeline
15 timeline entries on this page. Dates: July 28, 2026 to September 11, 2026
July 2026
Peaceful Tomorrows supports Mamdani’s attendance
Reaction
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.
[01]September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows statement on Mayor Mamdani at Ground Zero
Source excerpt
“We strongly condemn the anti-American accusations and Islamophobic sentiment underlying the effort seeking to prevent him from being at Ground Zero.”
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.
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows statement on Mayor Mamdani at Ground ZeroOrganization statement
September 2026
Pataki asks Mamdani to skip the memorial
Reaction
George Pataki said Mamdani should not attend, citing Mamdani’s association with Hasan Piker and prior response to “globalize the intifada.”
[02]Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorial
Source excerpt
“I think anyone who doesn’t intentionally distance themselves from Hasan Piker ... should not be there.”
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.
Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorialDirect interview with George PatakiMamdani establishes a September 11 Day of Remembrance and Service
Source release
Mamdani announced executive orders to establish a citywide day of remembrance and service and update emergency-preparedness operations.
[03]Mayor Mamdani to Declare Sept. 11th an Official Day of Remembrance and Service
Source excerpt
“Never Forget” is not a slogan. It is a commitment that we must carry forward through action.
Official city release announcing executive orders establishing a September 11 Day of Remembrance and Service and emergency-preparedness measures.
Mayor Mamdani to Declare Sept. 11th an Official Day of Remembrance and ServiceMayor’s Office news releaseGiuliani says Mamdani’s attendance offends him
Reaction
In a Newsmax appearance, Giuliani said Mamdani should skip the commemoration and made broader claims about Mamdani and Muslims.
[04]Newsmax interview: Rudy Giuliani on Zohran Mamdani’s planned 9/11 memorial attendance
Source excerpt
“Having lost friends there and being very close to many of the families, it offends me that he’s coming.”
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.
Mamdani confirms he will attend
Reaction
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.
[05]FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendance
Source 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.”
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.
FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendanceMayor’s remarks at West Indian Day Parade breakfast[05]FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendance
Source 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.”
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.
FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendanceMayor’s remarks at West Indian Day Parade breakfast[06]N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorial
Source excerpt
“Mamdani is the mayor of New York City and of course he should be at 9/11.”
NY1 links Giuliani’s original Newsmax appearance and reports Mamdani’s response and direct statements supporting attendance from state and city leaders.
N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and Schumer[06]N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorial
Source excerpt
“Mamdani is the mayor of New York City and of course he should be at 9/11.”
NY1 links Giuliani’s original Newsmax appearance and reports Mamdani’s response and direct statements supporting attendance from state and city leaders.
N.Y. officials rebuke Giuliani after he says Mamdani shouldn’t attend 9/11 memorialStatements by Mamdani, Hochul, James, and SchumerSuffolk poll finds 74% of surveyed NYC voters support Mamdani attending
Source release
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.
[07]September 8, 2026 Suffolk CityView New York City poll
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.
September 8, 2026 Suffolk CityView New York City pollSeptember 8, 2026 New York City poll documents and methodologyMamdani joins NYPD Commissioner Tisch at 9/11 memorial unveiling
At One Police Plaza, Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch to unveil a memorial honoring NYPD members killed in the September 11 attacks and related illnesses. He addressed families, officers, and other attendees about remembrance and service.
[08]NYC Mayor's Office transcript: Mamdani joins NYPD Commissioner Tisch to unveil 9/11 memorial
Source excerpt
It is my deep privilege to join you today at One Police Plaza.
Official transcript of Mayor Mamdani joining NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch at One Police Plaza for a new memorial honoring NYPD members killed on September 11 and in related illnesses. The transcript documents a separate memorial observance relevant to the attendance dispute.
NYC Mayor's Office transcript: Mamdani joins NYPD Commissioner Tisch to unveil 9/11 memorialTranscript title and Mayor Mamdani remarks at One Police Plaza; September 9, 2026.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.
[09]NYC's September 9 briefing on September 11 memorial access and security
Source excerpt
Please remember that this event is not open to the general public.
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.
NYC's September 9 briefing on September 11 memorial access and securityMamdani's opening memorial-access remarks and Tisch's subsequent September11 security section.CAIR announces its designation of Giuliani as an anti-Muslim extremist
Reaction
CAIR announced the designation after Giuliani's Newsmax remarks opposing Mamdani's attendance and criticizing Muslims. This is CAIR's organizational action and characterization, not a governmental finding or our judgment. It is distinct from Nasher's attendance statement. September 9 is established.
[10]Council on American-Islamic Relations
CAIR's own announcement and attributed staff statements. The extremist designation is CAIR's characterization, not a governmental finding. September 9 is verified.
CAIR announces its designation of Giuliani and defends Mamdani's attendance · Council on American-Islamic RelationsOpening designation announcement and Afaf Nasher statement immediately after Corey Saylor's quotationMajority Report commentators criticize the campaign against Mamdani's memorial attendance
Reaction
At 04:15–05:35, Majority Report commentators describe the effort to exclude Mamdani as anti-Muslim prejudice and reject the implication that his recognition of a day of remembrance or an aide's legal clients show disrespect for September 11 victims. The show's website lists September 10.
[11]Rudy Giuliani Goes Full Racist POS
Source excerpt
This is Islamophobia.
Official Majority Report YouTube upload; the embedded Newsmax speech is distinguished from studio commentary. The watch page displays September 9, 2026; the show's website listing displays September 10. Host commentary is evidence of their response, not independent proof of historical wrongdoing.
Rudy Giuliani Goes Full Racist POS04:15–05:35 (attendance commentary); 09:38–11:35 (records-release commentary)Mamdani joins an FDNY wreath-laying at the Firemen’s Memorial
The FDNY stated that Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Fire Department leaders and members in laying a wreath at the Firemen’s Memorial in Manhattan on September 11. This records an additional public observance by Mamdani; it does not establish a change in any participant’s position in the dispute over his memorial attendance.
[12]FDNY release on the September 11 wreath-laying at the Firemen’s Memorial
Source excerpt
Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore, Chief of Department John Esposito, and FDNY members to lay a wreath at the Firemen's Memorial in Manhattan.
Official FDNY account of a September 11 observance.
FDNY release on the September 11 wreath-laying at the Firemen’s MemorialPage paragraph beginning “On Friday, September 11, 2026”Mamdani releases a September 11 video before the memorial
Source release
CBS New York and ABC7 New York reported that Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a video before attending the September 11 memorial. The reporting describes the video as calling the attacks a horrific act of terror, honoring victims and responders, and describing the continuing health consequences as an ongoing obligation.
[13]CBS New York reports Zohran Mamdani’s September 11 video message
Source excerpt
September 11th was a horrific act of terror.
CBS New York reported that Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted a video message before attending the September 11 memorial, embedded the social-media post, and reproduced portions of the statement. This is reporting that corroborates the official account’s post; we could not view the full primary video.
[14]ABC7 New York reports Zohran Mamdani’s video ahead of the September 11 ceremony
Source excerpt
a sacred obligation to honor those who were stolen from us
ABC7 New York independently reported that Mamdani released a video before the ceremony, quoted its “sacred obligation” framing, and noted that he would attend. It corroborates the existence and broad content of the official social-media video; it is not a substitute for a full primary-video review.
ABC7 New York reports Zohran Mamdani’s video ahead of the September 11 ceremonySeptember 11, 2026, 11:33 AM GMT entry; lines 55–63Mamdani speaks at St. Nicholas interfaith 9/11 memorial service
Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered remarks at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine interfaith 9/11 memorial service, marking the attacks’ 25th anniversary and recognizing victims, first responders, and faith leaders.
[15]NYC Mayor's Office transcript: Mamdani remarks at St. Nicholas interfaith 9/11 service
Source excerpt
It is an immense honor to be together as we mark 25 years since the horrific terror attacks of September 11th.
Official transcript of Mayor Mamdani delivering remarks at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine interfaith 9/11 memorial service. The transcript documents a separate observance and his remarks to faith leaders, victims, and first responders.
NYC Mayor's Office transcript: Mamdani remarks at St. Nicholas interfaith 9/11 serviceTranscript title and Mayor Mamdani remarks at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine; September 11, 2026.Mamdani attends the 9/11 ceremony; no protest occurs; Mamdani and Giuliani shake hands
Incident
Zohran Mamdani attended the September 11, 2026 Ground Zero ceremony, standing through the full reading of all 2,983 victims' names and remaining afterward to speak with victims' families for about 45 minutes. Despite prior calls from some officials for a protest, no boycott or demonstration occurred. Before the ceremony, Mamdani and Rudy Giuliani shook hands and exchanged brief words.
[16]Political unity permeates 25th anniversary of 9/11
Source excerpt
there were no arguments. There were no boycotts. And no first responders turned their backs in protest.
Reports that no protest, boycott, or turned backs occurred at the Sept 11, 2026 Ground Zero ceremony despite prior calls for one.
[17]New video shows interaction between NYC Mayor Mamdani and AOC at 9/11 ceremony after the moment sparked debate
CNN's detailed account of the Mamdani-Giuliani handshake and the disputed Mamdani-AOC clip, including direct quotes from Mamdani, Ragusa, Cruz, and Niou.
Mamdani attends the 25th-anniversary memorial and shakes hands with Giuliani
Incident
The Associated Press reported that Mamdani attended the September 11 memorial ceremony and that he and Giuliani shook hands. This records attendance and a reported interaction; it does not establish a change in either person's previously stated position.
[18]AP reports Mamdani attended the 25th-anniversary 9/11 memorial and shook hands with Giuliani
Source excerpt
the two shook hands there Friday
Associated Press report on the 25th-anniversary memorial. It supports a timeline event for attendance and a handshake; it does not establish that either participant withdrew or changed a prior position.
AP reports Mamdani attended the 25th-anniversary 9/11 memorial and shook hands with GiulianiParagraph beginning “New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani…”; sentence reports that Mamdani attended the remembrance and that he and Giuliani shook hands.
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What was said
Attributed statement
Rudy Giuliani alleged that every Muslim supported by Zohran Mamdani is a murderer.
Sources (1)
- Giuliani's Newsmax attendance demand and allegation about Muslims Mamdani supports03:31–04:15 (question and exclusion demand); 07:54–08:18 (allegation)
What's disputed
Disputed claim
A four-second video clip shows Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez laughing inappropriately while the names of September 11 victims were being read.
Disputed claim
Rudy Giuliani said Mayor Zohran Mamdani should skip the 2026 9/11 memorial and characterized Mamdani’s attendance as offensive.
Sources (1)
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.
Sources (2)
- 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.”
Sources (1)
- Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorialDirect interview with George Pataki
Disputed claim
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
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.
Sources (1)
- 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.
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.
Read sources and related claim
Related claim
Rudy Giuliani said Mayor Zohran Mamdani should skip the 2026 9/11 memorial and characterized Mamdani’s attendance as offensive.
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.
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.
Read sources and related claim
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.
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 record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
6 matching responses. Newest first.
Rudy GiulianiFormer Mayor of New York CityDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Speaking in a livestream with former chief of staff Tony Carbonetti and separately to the New York Post.
"So we shook hands and I said to him, 'I pray for you,' and he said 'thank you' ... I commend him also for shaking hands with me."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?
Full statement and sources
Rudy Giuliani gave his own account of his September 11 handshake with Zohran Mamdani, saying he told Mamdani "I pray for you" and received a "thank you" in response, and said he commends Mamdani for shaking his hand.
After the statement
Giuliani added that either of them could have "created a distraction" by refusing the handshake.
Why this label?
Giuliani both praises Mamdani for shaking his hand and offers his own account of the exchange, a mixed position that neither fully condemns nor endorses Mamdani's memorial attendance, but adds his own first-person account to a dispute previously documented only from Mamdani's side.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Zohran MamdaniMayor of New York CityDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Speaking with reporters after the ceremony on September 11, 2026, Mamdani declined to share what Giuliani had said to him directly.
"He came over and we both extended our hands and exchanged pleasantries... I think the focus for all of us is a focus on the families, a focus on first responders and to be here and hear the names of all those who were stolen from us 25 years ago and how the families have persevered through that time. I am truly in awe of all that these families have given us."
Defended or excusedCase context: Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?
Full statement and sources
Mamdani described a brief, cordial exchange with Giuliani at the ceremony and said the focus should be on victims' families and first responders.
After the statement
Aides to Mamdani separately said Giuliani told him being mayor was hard.
Why this label?
Mamdani's account of a graceful, low-key interaction with Giuliani and his redirection of focus to victims' families implicitly defends his choice to attend as appropriate and non-disruptive, consistent with his earlier stated reasons for attending.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Zohran MamdaniMayor of New York CityDirectly involved
Before this statement
Mamdani answered questions amid public calls from some critics for him not to attend the annual ceremony.
"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."
Defended or excusedResponding 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.
Full statement and sources
Mamdani confirmed that he will attend the memorial and framed his attendance around victims’ families, first responders, and remembrance.
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 releaseWhy this label?
Mamdani explicitly defended proceeding with his planned attendance.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Rudy GiulianiFormer mayor of New York City during the September 11, 2001 attacksDirectly involved
Before this statement
The Newsmax interviewer asks whether Mamdani should skip the ceremony after discussing a ceremonial pen passed to an aide and that aide's legal clients. Giuliani answers affirmatively. This original interview is dated September 6, 2026; the later Majority Report upload is a replay.
"03:48: “Well, there's no question he should.” 08:14: “All of the Muslims he supports are murderers.”"
CondemnedResponding to: Rudy Giuliani said Mayor Zohran Mamdani should skip the 2026 9/11 memorial and characterized Mamdani’s attendance as offensive.
Full statement and sources
Giuliani opposed Mamdani's attendance at the 9/11 commemoration and, in the same interview, alleged that every Muslim supported by Mamdani is a murderer. This records Giuliani's allegation, not an established finding about Mamdani or anyone he supports.
After the statement
Giuliani broadens his criticism to Muslims and then repeats the allegation at 08:14. Beginning at 08:18, a Majority Report host makes a sarcastic rejoinder. These speakers must not be conflated. The two quoted excerpts are separated by other interview material and host interruptions. Mamdani's stated reason for attending and opposing responses remain separately recorded.
Giuliani's Newsmax attendance demand and allegation about Muslims Mamdani supports03:31–04:15 (question and exclusion demand); 07:54–08:18 (allegation)Why this label?
Giuliani expressly rejects Mamdani's attendance. His allegation forms part of that exclusion argument; the classification describes his response to attendance, not our judgment on the allegation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
George PatakiFormer governor of New YorkDirectly involvedBefore this statement
In a direct interview with City & State, Pataki addressed the approaching 25th-anniversary memorial and demands that Mamdani not attend.
"Anyone who has refused to reject the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’ ... should not be at that site."
CondemnedResponding 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.”
Full statement and sources
Pataki said Mamdani should not attend, citing Mamdani’s continued association with Hasan Piker and Mamdani’s prior response to “globalize the intifada.”
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 PatakiWhy this label?
Pataki directly called for Mamdani to skip the memorial.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
September 11th Families for Peaceful TomorrowsOrganization of September 11 family membersDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The organization responded to an ongoing campaign and petition asking that Mamdani be excluded from Ground Zero commemorations.
"We strongly condemn the anti-American accusations and Islamophobic sentiment underlying the effort seeking to prevent him from being at Ground Zero."
Defended or excusedResponding 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.
Full statement and sources
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.
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 statementWhy this label?
The statement affirmatively supports attendance and identifies it as mayoral duty. Its condemnation of exclusion supports that substantive defense rather than only contesting a label.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(45)
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.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Emma Vigeland's X post on Mamdani and Giuliani at the 9/11 ceremony
About this source
Emma Vigeland posted this on X on September 12, 2026 (UTC), quoting a post that shared ABC7 footage of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rudy Giuliani shaking hands at the 9/11 ceremony.
- Author
- Emma Vigeland
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Fox News (@FoxNews) on X: "Mamdani, do us all a favor and just stay home!"
Excerpt
"Mamdani, do us all a favor and just stay home!"
About this source
Fox News video and caption about Bill Donohue's remarks. The caption leads with the line, which Donohue says near the end of the clip. The Catholic League reposted the caption and linked this video.
- Author
- Fox News
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Chris Hayes on Mamdani's conduct at the 9/11 ceremony
Relevant passage: Bluesky post by @chrislhayes.bsky.social, 2026-09-11 13:43 UTC, quoting a post showing the handshake.
Excerpt
"Mamdani is such a model for combining a principled ideological vision with civility and grace. You shake hands, you act like a grown up even whether others aren't. You show up."
About this source
The speaker's own post on Bluesky, published hours after the ceremony and quoting a post about the handshake with Giuliani.
- Author
- Chris Hayes
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Trump condemns Mamdani-AOC "laughing" moment as "terrible"
Excerpt
"I think it's terrible. It's not a place to be laughing... the fact that they were laughing together at a very important part of the ceremony was inappropriate."
About this source
Report on Trump's remarks to reporters departing Shannon Airport, Ireland, condemning Mamdani and AOC for laughing during the September 11 memorial.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Giuliani reveals what he told Mamdani during handshake, offers praise
Excerpt
"So we shook hands and I said to him, 'I pray for you,' and he said 'thank you' ... I commend him also for shaking hands with me."
About this source
New York Post report (also syndicated via The Independent/AOL) on Rudy Giuliani's own account of his September 11 handshake exchange with Zohran Mamdani.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
New video shows interaction between NYC Mayor Mamdani and AOC at 9/11 ceremony after the moment sparked debate
About this source
CNN's detailed account of the Mamdani-Giuliani handshake and the disputed Mamdani-AOC clip, including direct quotes from Mamdani, Ragusa, Cruz, and Niou.
- Author
- Emma Tucker
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Political unity permeates 25th anniversary of 9/11
Excerpt
"there were no arguments. There were no boycotts. And no first responders turned their backs in protest."
About this source
Reports that no protest, boycott, or turned backs occurred at the Sept 11, 2026 Ground Zero ceremony despite prior calls for one.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
NYC Mayor's Office transcript: Mamdani remarks at St. Nicholas interfaith 9/11 service
Relevant passage: Transcript title and Mayor Mamdani remarks at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine; September 11, 2026.
Excerpt
"It is an immense honor to be together as we mark 25 years since the horrific terror attacks of September 11th."
About this source
Official transcript of Mayor Mamdani delivering remarks at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine interfaith 9/11 memorial service. The transcript documents a separate observance and his remarks to faith leaders, victims, and first responders.
- Author
- Office of the Mayor
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
NYC Mayor's Office transcript: Mamdani joins NYPD Commissioner Tisch to unveil 9/11 memorial
Relevant passage: Transcript title and Mayor Mamdani remarks at One Police Plaza; September 9, 2026.
Excerpt
"It is my deep privilege to join you today at One Police Plaza."
About this source
Official transcript of Mayor Mamdani joining NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch at One Police Plaza for a new memorial honoring NYPD members killed on September 11 and in related illnesses. The transcript documents a separate memorial observance relevant to the attendance dispute.
- Author
- Office of the Mayor
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
ABC7 New York reports Zohran Mamdani’s video ahead of the September 11 ceremony
Relevant passage: September 11, 2026, 11:33 AM GMT entry; lines 55–63
Excerpt
"a sacred obligation to honor those who were stolen from us"
About this source
ABC7 New York independently reported that Mamdani released a video before the ceremony, quoted its “sacred obligation” framing, and noted that he would attend. It corroborates the existence and broad content of the official social-media video; it is not a substitute for a full primary-video review.
- Author
- ABC7 New York
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
CBS New York reports Zohran Mamdani’s September 11 video message
Relevant passage: Lines 160–181
Excerpt
"September 11th was a horrific act of terror."
About this source
CBS New York reported that Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted a video message before attending the September 11 memorial, embedded the social-media post, and reproduced portions of the statement. This is reporting that corroborates the official account’s post; we could not view the full primary video.
- Author
- Jesse Zanger
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
FDNY release on the September 11 wreath-laying at the Firemen’s Memorial
Relevant passage: Page paragraph beginning “On Friday, September 11, 2026”
Excerpt
"Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore, Chief of Department John Esposito, and FDNY members to lay a wreath at the Firemen's Memorial in Manhattan."
About this source
Official FDNY account of a September 11 observance.
- Author
- New York City Fire Department
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
AP reports Mamdani attended the 25th-anniversary 9/11 memorial and shook hands with Giuliani
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning “New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani…”; sentence reports that Mamdani attended the remembrance and that he and Giuliani shook hands.
Excerpt
"the two shook hands there Friday"
About this source
Associated Press report on the 25th-anniversary memorial. It supports a timeline event for attendance and a handshake; it does not establish that either participant withdrew or changed a prior position.
- Author
- Associated Press
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Giuliani's Newsmax attendance demand and allegation about Muslims Mamdani supports
About this source
Newsmax's interviewer identifies Giuliani at 03:23 and asks whether Mamdani should skip the ceremony; Giuliani answers at 03:48. At 08:14 Giuliani repeats his allegation about Muslims Mamdani supports. At 08:18–08:26 a Majority Report host makes a sarcastic rejoinder; that rejoinder is not Giuliani's wording. This is the same Newsmax appearance, dated September 6, 2026. Majority Report's later upload is not a new Giuliani statement. No individual targets or criminal guilt are independently established by this excerpt.
- Author
- Rudy Giuliani in an embedded Newsmax interview
- Accessed
Original video
Rudy Giuliani Goes Full Racist POS
Excerpt
"This is Islamophobia."
About this source
Official Majority Report YouTube upload; the embedded Newsmax speech is distinguished from studio commentary. The watch page displays September 9, 2026; the show's website listing displays September 10. Host commentary is evidence of their response, not independent proof of historical wrongdoing.
- Accessed
Official statement
CAIR announces its designation of Giuliani and defends Mamdani's attendance
Relevant passage: Opening designation announcement and Afaf Nasher statement immediately after Corey Saylor's quotation
About this source
CAIR's own announcement and attributed staff statements. The extremist designation is CAIR's characterization, not a governmental finding. September 9 is verified.
- Author
- Council on American-Islamic Relations
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Attacks on Mamdani test Jewish efforts to confront Islamophobia as 9/11 anniversary nears
Relevant passage: Spitalnick interview paragraphs; ADL parenthetical after Jonathan Jacoby's discussion of Mamdani Monitor
About this source
Original interviews and a reported ADL refusal concerning this story. September 10 is the publication date, not a verified interview or refusal time.
- Author
- Louis Keene
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Fox interviews Lawler and Pfluger about Mamdani's memorial attendance
Relevant passage: Lawler's opening interview paragraph and Pfluger's conditional-attendance paragraph; accompanying video 6404877763112
About this source
Fox's original Dallas convention interviews. Quotations are verified against its written interview text, not an independently timecoded video transcript. Publication timestamp is metadata-verified; interview time is unspecified.
- Author
- Elizabeth Elkind and Matthew Donnell
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- New York City Mayor's Office; Zohran Mamdani and Jessica S. Tisch
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Gloria Pazmino
- Published
- Accessed
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. It is not a statement by Jill Biden. The article displays September 9 at 8:06 p.m. without an explicit timezone.
- Author
- The National News Desk
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Jillian Jorgensen
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Mark Tanos
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Suffolk University Political Research Center
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Katie Vasquez
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Jillian Michaels
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Hannah Brennan
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Benny Johnson says Mamdani should not attend the 9/11 ceremony
Excerpt
"“Mamdani shouldn’t even show his face at the ceremony.”"
About this source
Direct X post in which Johnson criticizes Mamdani's ceremonial pen presentation and concludes that Mamdani should not attend.
- Author
- Benny Johnson
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Alana Mastrangelo
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Donohue joins families of 9/11 victims to call for Mamdani to skip Friday's 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 post that reposts a Fox News caption about Donohue's remarks and links the original Fox News X video.
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Lisa Rozner and CBS New York Team
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Stepheny Price
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Eric Mack
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Jessica Russak-Hoffman
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Tom Durante
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Speaker Menin calls push against Mayor Mamdani at 9/11 ceremony “absolutely inappropriate”
Relevant passage: Remarks on WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show
Excerpt
"“I don’t agree with that at all.”"
About this source
Reports Menin's WNYC remarks rejecting calls for Mamdani to stay away and explaining the ceremony's nonpolitical format.
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Ali Bauman
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Author
- Ahmad Austin Jr.
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Published
- Accessed
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.
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
FOX 5 New York: Mamdani confirms 9/11 memorial attendance
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.
- Published
- Accessed
Corrections
(7)
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.
Classification correction
Correction to: Statement by Edward Ahmed Mitchell
- Previous classification
- Challenges the characterization. He challenged the stated basis for exclusion rather than discussing ceremony logistics.
- Corrected classification
- Defends or excuses. Mitchell criticizes the act of exclusion, not just the wording of an allegation. This is a substantive defense of attendance.
We corrected the editorial classification of Edward Ahmed Mitchell's response about Excluding Mamdani for religion or associations. Mitchell criticizes the act of exclusion, not just the wording of an allegation. This is a substantive defense of attendance. This corrects our labeling, not a later change in the speaker's position.
This corrects an editorial classification.
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.
Classification correction
Correction to: Statement by John Kennedy
- Previous classification
- Mixed or conditional. The statement permits attendance only rhetorically and under a humiliating condition, so it is recorded as mixed or conditional.
- Corrected classification
- Condemns. The paper-bag remark is sarcastic disparagement, not a genuine unresolved condition.
We corrected the editorial classification of John Kennedy's response about Mamdani’s appearance at the memorial. The paper-bag remark is sarcastic disparagement, not a genuine unresolved condition. This corrects our labeling, not a later change in the speaker's position.
This corrects an editorial classification.
Reports senators' responses to the petition. Sheehy endorsed giving families control over attendance; Kennedy answered with a disparaging conditional statement.
Classification correction
Correction to: Statement by September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
- Previous classification
- Challenges the characterization. The group explicitly disputed the characterizations used in the exclusion campaign while supporting attendance.
- Corrected classification
- Defends or excuses. The statement affirmatively supports attendance and identifies it as mayoral duty. Its condemnation of exclusion supports that substantive defense rather than only contesting a label.
We corrected the editorial classification of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows's response about Mamdani attending to commemorate victims. The statement affirmatively supports attendance and identifies it as mayoral duty. Its condemnation of exclusion supports that substantive defense rather than only contesting a label. This corrects our labeling, not a later change in the speaker's position.
This corrects an editorial classification.
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 Kathy Hochul
- Previous language
- Previous version lacked the required source support.
- Corrected language
- Updated with source support and context for the revised statement.
Clarify and source a material amendment to a published statement.
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 Kathy Hochul
- Previous language
- Previous version lacked the required source support.
- Corrected language
- Updated with source support and context for the revised statement.
Clarify and source a material amendment to a published statement.
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 Kathy Hochul
- Previous language
- Previous version lacked the required source support.
- Corrected language
- Updated with source support and context for the revised statement.
Clarify and source a material amendment to a published statement.
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 Kathy Hochul
- Previous language
- Previous version lacked the required source support.
- Corrected language
- Updated with source support and context for the revised statement.
Clarify and source a material amendment to a published statement.
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.
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Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/zohran-mamdani-911-memorial-attendance
The Dispute Index. "Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?". First published: 2026-09-09. Last updated: 2026-09-18. https://disputeindex.com/cases/zohran-mamdani-911-memorial-attendance