Ted Cruz: "How the hell do you laugh" during the 9/11 reading
U.S. Senator (R-TX)
“How the hell do you laugh while the names of those murdered on 9/11 are being read aloud?”
Source and context
Reporting
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.
Before the quotation
Reposting a four-second clip of the moment on X on September 11, 2026.
After the quotation
The characterization was disputed by witnesses including Michael Ragusa and Yuh-Line Niou (see related statements), and CNN reported that longer pool footage showed a brief greeting rather than laughter during the reading.
How this statement is classified
Responding to: A four-second video clip shows Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez laughing inappropriately while the names of September 11 victims were being read.
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Cruz directly criticizes what he characterizes as Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez laughing during the reading of victims' names, an express condemnation.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Zohran Mamdani, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“ridiculous talking points... stayed for every name and even stayed after to talk to families for 45 minutes... was just when she walked up to him and said hello.”Read statement
“The videos of @NYCMayor and @AOC laughing are not true. I was standing next to them the whole time. The camera just caught her greeting him hello. Multiple other politicians were laughing and joking behind me. Republicans and Democrats.”Read statement
“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.”Read statement