Relatives of those killed in the September 11 attacks have launched a petition calling for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to be excluded from the upcoming 25th anniversary ceremony at Ground Zero. The effort cites his past associations and statements as reasons for the request. More than 5,200 people have signed so far.
A Change.org petition has collected over 5,200 signatures, including more than 300 from family members of victims. It argues that Mamdani’s presence would insult the memory of the nearly 3,000 people killed by al-Qaeda terrorists.
Organizer Giovanni Galante, who lost his wife Grace in the attack, said the ceremony must stay a space for mourning. “This day is sacred to us,” he said. “It is not political, and it is not a platform for those connected to such views.”
The petition lists several past statements and appointments by Mamdani that signers find objectionable. These include his praise for Imam Siraj Wahhaj and his appointment of Ramzi Kassem as chief counsel. City Hall has confirmed that Mamdani plans to attend the event anyway.
Another organizer, Cheri Sparacio, noted additional examples of associations she views as disrespectful. The petition asks that all participants focus on remembrance and reject extremism.
