Ragusa: clip of Mamdani and AOC "laughing are not true"
Former head of security for Rudy Giuliani
“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.”
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
Posting to X on September 11, 2026, as former head of security for Rudy Giuliani.
After the quotation
Ragusa, a self-described lifelong Republican critical of both Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez, said he was "just sick of this fake news."
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?
Ragusa, who says he stood next to Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez throughout, directly disputes the characterization of the clip as showing laughter during the name-reading, without addressing the broader dispute over Mamdani's attendance itself.
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- 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
“How the hell do you laugh while the names of those murdered on 9/11 are being read aloud?”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