A petition surpassing 57,000 signatures is calling on organizers of New York City's 25th anniversary September 11 commemoration to restrict Mayor Zohran Mamdani's involvement in the ceremony, despite his stated intention to attend.
Petition organizers cite concerns about Mamdani's public comments and associations, though some claims in the petition remain contested. Mamdani has expressed strong support for Palestinians, contending that Israel has deployed disproportionate military force against them during its conflict with Hamas. Critics argue that Hamas' October 7 attack left Israel with limited options. While Mamdani has repeatedly characterized the September 11 attacks as terrorism and reiterated this position recently, some opponents question his stance on Islamic terrorism more broadly.
The petition states: "We respectfully ask that the organizers carefully consider whether Mr. Mamdani's participation would align with the intention of the ceremony and the expectations of the families most directly affected by the tragedy."
Meryl Mayo-Marshall, whose husband Robert Mayo died in the attacks, is among the signers. She described speaking with her husband twice that morning as he prepared to help with evacuations, saying "he said, 'I can't live with myself, I'm trained in evacuation and I have to stay and save as many lives as I can.'" She later provided DNA samples to help identify his remains.
Mayo-Marshall said the grief remains acute. "I've done everything I could to rebuild my life, but it feels like yesterday," She said. She would not object to Mamdani attending quietly but said she would find it difficult to be present if he spoke. "I want it to be clear of the politics," Mayo-Marshall said, noting his presence is "a trigger" Regarding what she perceives as his sympathies toward those she views as terrorists.
Mamdani has indicated he will participate regardless. At a news conference, he reaffirmed his condemnation of those responsible for the attacks and stated he plans to attend alongside victims' families, survivors, and first responders: "I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them at this year's 9/11 commemoration."
The annual 9/11 memorial has historically remained largely nonpartisan, with mayors from both parties attending. In 2024, the event drew national attention when President Joe Biden and Donald Trump stood together during the ceremony.