All topics

September 11 Attacks

Public disputes concerning the September 11, 2001 attacks, their aftermath, memorials, official records, and effects on survivors and responders.

Related cases

Case

Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?

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.

Statements

Maureen Santora

Role at the time: 9/11 family member

Mixed or conditional

Responding to

Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?

"“I just hope that he doesn’t say a single word”"
Why we used this label

Her stated condition concerns silence at the ceremony, not attendance itself.

John Kennedy

Role at the time: United States senator from Louisiana

Mixed or conditional

Responding to

Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?

"“It might be appropriate if he goes while wearing a paper bag over his head.”"
Why we used this label

The statement permits attendance only rhetorically and under a humiliating condition, so it is recorded as mixed or conditional.

People with useful coverage

Maureen Santora

Mother of firefighter Christopher Santora, who was killed in the September 11 attacks.

1 case and 1 statement

Angie Pesce

Sister of Danny Pesce, who was killed in the September 11 attacks.

1 case and 1 statement

Michael LaRosa

Political communications professional and former spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden.

1 case and 1 statement

Giovanni Galante

September 11 family advocate whose wife, Grace Catherine Galante, was killed in the North Tower of the World Trade Center attacks.

1 case and 1 statement

John McDevitt

President of the Port Authority Retired Police Association.

1 case and 1 statement

Curtis Sliwa

New York political figure, radio host, and founder of the Guardian Angels.

1 case and 1 statement

John Kennedy

United States senator from Louisiana.

1 case and 1 statement

Tim Sheehy

United States senator from Montana.

1 case and 1 statement

Bruce Blakeman

American politician serving as Nassau County executive.

1 case and 1 statement

Patricia Heaton

American actor and public commentator.

1 case and 1 statement

More people