Here’s what was said.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing renewed criticism after an old social media post about the September 11 terrorist attacks resurfaced ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
The 2023 message has attracted fresh attention as some families of 9/11 victims and retired law enforcement officers publicly call on Mamdani to stay away from this year’s commemoration at Ground Zero.
The controversy centers on how Mamdani described the victims of September 11 while also highlighting the deaths, injuries and displacement associated with the wars that followed the attacks.
Mamdani’s 2023 Post Resurfaces
In his original message, Mamdani noted that nearly 3,000 people were killed on September 11, 2001, before turning his attention to the conflicts that followed.
He said Americans should remember both those lost on 9/11 and the hundreds of thousands who died during subsequent wars, along with the millions who were injured or displaced.
The message concluded with a call to work toward a better world in memory of those who suffered.
But three years later, critics are focusing on what Mamdani did not say.
Some have objected to his failure to explicitly identify the September 11 victims as people murdered in a terrorist attack. Others argue that discussing the subsequent wars in the same message created an inappropriate comparison on a day intended to remember the victims of 9/11.
Critics Blast Mamdani’s Wording
The resurfaced post quickly generated criticism from political commentators, veterans and New York officials.
Marc Thiessen, a Washington Post columnist who was at the Pentagon when it was attacked on September 11, strongly criticized Mamdani and argued that he should not attend the Ground Zero ceremony.
New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov also took issue with Mamdani’s language, emphasizing that the victims were deliberately killed rather than simply dying.
Former NYPD officer and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro similarly called on the mayor to stay away from the commemoration.
Michael La Rosa, a former spokesperson for Jill Biden, reacted with surprise to the resurfaced post.
Retired Marine Joey Jones also criticized the wording, arguing that Americans should plainly acknowledge that the victims of September 11 were murdered.
The backlash highlights the intense emotions that still surround the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil.
Hasan Piker Controversy Complicates Matters
Mamdani’s old post isn’t the only issue fueling the dispute.
The mayor has also faced criticism over an interview with political commentator Hasan Piker, who drew widespread condemnation in 2019 after making an inflammatory statement about the September 11 attacks.
Mamdani initially declined to directly condemn Piker’s remarks when questioned about them. He later described the comments as objectionable and reprehensible.
The episode has received renewed attention as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
For critics, the combination of Mamdani’s old 9/11 post and his previous interaction with Piker has raised questions about whether the mayor should have a prominent presence at this year’s ceremony.
9/11 Families Push Back
Several relatives of September 11 victims have supported a petition asking that Mamdani not participate in the anniversary ceremony.
The petition asks organizers to consider whether the mayor’s presence would be consistent with the purpose of the event and the expectations of families who lost loved ones.
Retired Port Authority police officers have also joined the opposition.
The issue carries particular significance for law enforcement. Thirty-seven Port Authority Police Department officers were killed on September 11 while responding to the terrorist attacks.
Critics argue that the anniversary should remain focused on remembering those who were killed and recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders.
Mamdani Plans To Attend Ground Zero
Despite the opposition, Mamdani has indicated that he intends to attend the September 11 commemoration.
His office has said the mayor plans to honor the victims’ families, survivors and first responders whose lives were forever changed by the terrorist attack.
That sets up the possibility of continued controversy as the anniversary approaches.
For many New Yorkers, September 11 remains deeply personal. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks, including hundreds of firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel who rushed toward danger as thousands of others attempted to escape.
25 Years Later, 9/11 Remains Deeply Personal
The latest controversy demonstrates how carefully elected leaders are still expected to speak about September 11.
Political disagreements surrounding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have continued for decades, but critics of Mamdani argue that the anniversary itself should remain centered on the Americans and others who were killed in the terrorist attacks, their families, survivors and first responders.
Mamdani, meanwhile, has maintained that he intends to participate in the ceremony and pay his respects.
With the 25th anniversary approaching, the dispute over his attendance shows no sign of disappearing.
The larger question now is whether the controversy will remain a political fight in the days leading up to September 11 — or whether all sides will ultimately put those disagreements aside to keep the focus on the victims and families being honored at Ground Zero.
