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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

Patricia Heaton

Role at the time: Actor and public commentator

Condemned

Responding to

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

"“Keep it going New Yorkers.”"
Why we used this label

Her endorsement of the petition communicates support for excluding Mamdani.

Edward Ahmed Mitchell

Role at the time: Deputy executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations

Challenged the characterization

Responding to

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

"“anti-Muslim bigotry, plain and simple”"
Why we used this label

He challenged the stated basis for exclusion rather than discussing ceremony logistics.

Elizabeth Miller

Role at the time: 9/11 family member and project director of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows

Defended or excused

Responding to

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

"“I think he should be allowed to do that.”"
Why we used this label

She explicitly supported allowing Mamdani to attend for remembrance.

Jillian Michaels

Role at the time: Podcast host and media personality

Condemned

Responding to

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

"“It is a literal act of contempt. He’s not honoring their grief.”"
Why we used this label

She directly condemned the decision to attend and described it as antagonistic.

September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows

Role at the time: Organization of September 11 family members

Challenged 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.”"
Why we used this label

The group explicitly disputed the characterizations used in the exclusion campaign while supporting attendance.

People with useful coverage

Edward Ahmed Mitchell

Civil-rights attorney and deputy executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

1 case and 1 statement

Jillian Michaels

Media personality and host of Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels.

1 case and 1 statement