New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The interaction came days after Giuliani had publicly said Mamdani’s presence at the ceremony would “offend him” and urged the city’s first Muslim mayor not to attend.
Mamdani defends attendance
Mamdani’s attendance had faced opposition from some relatives of 9/11 victims. A petition launched by victims’ family members urging him not to attend had gathered roughly 110,000 signatures. I love this country,” Mamdani said, adding that he wanted the week to focus on the families whose loved ones were killed 25 years ago, as well as first responders who gave everything to the city.
He has since called Twitch streamer Hasan Piker’s comments that America “deserved 9/11” “objectionable and reprehensible” and said he would discourage people from using the phrase “globalize the intifada.” Former New York governor George Pataki had also echoed calls for Mamdani to stay away from the ceremony, while Giuliani had criticised the mayor’s decision to attend. “I’m proud to be the mayor of this city. I love this city.
The annual remembrance ceremony, hosted by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, is attended by victims’ families, first responders, dignitaries and other invited guests. Vice President JD Vance and former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were also expected to attend.