New York City’s 25th‑anniversary 9/11 remembrance ceremony has become a flashpoint in the city’s political discourse. An online petition signed by more than 100,000 family members of the September 11 victims calls on Mayor Zohran Mamdani to stay away from the official ceremony, citing the mayor’s past statements about the NYPD and his associations with individuals linked to extremist causes.
De Niro’s defense of the mayor
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actor Robert De Niro was asked whether Mamdani should attend the ceremony. De Niro replied, “I don’t see why he shouldn’t come. He’s the mayor. I haven’t heard him say or do anything yet that would disqualify him from being there. Maybe I’m naive, but you have to give the guy a chance. He’s not a part of what happened.” When pressed about the families’ pain, De Niro said, “I understand their pain, but I still think he should be there.” He added that Mamdani could use the event “as a bridge” to unite people.
Mayor’s controversial record
Mayor Mamdani’s critics point to several past remarks and associations. In 2020, during the George Floyd protests, he called for the NYPD to be “defunded” and described the department as “racist, anti‑queer, and a major threat to public safety.” He has also faced scrutiny for praising Brooklyn Imam Siraj Wahhaj, who was named an alleged co‑conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and for endorsing candidates who have made inflammatory statements about 9/11.
Further controversy stems from Mamdani’s chief counsel, Ramzi Kassem, who previously represented Ahmed al‑Darbi, a convicted al‑Qaeda terrorist involved in plots against commercial shipping. Critics argue that these connections raise serious concerns about the mayor’s judgment and loyalty to the first responders who protected New Yorkers on September 11, 2001.
Reactions from policy experts and political figures
Rafael Mangual, head of research for the Manhattan Institute’s Policing & Public Safety Initiative, said, “I’m not sure I share Mr. De Niro’s dismissal of calls for Mayor Mamdani to keep away from the official memorial ceremony… The mayor’s past expressions of vitriol for the NYPD, whose members bravely ran to the assistance of their fellow Americans that tragic morning, are not the only justification for the anger of the families.”
Mary Marslender, a former Trump appointee and Republican consultant, added, “Mamdani has spent years portraying New York’s brave first responders as the problem, and Robert De Niro knows that. Mamdani ran for mayor on a platform of defunding the police, only walking back his stance for political gain—not out of genuine conviction.”
President Trump’s comment on election security
During the same interview, De Niro was asked about President Donald Trump. He responded, “We have to stop him. It’s insane. We have to send people to voting booths and make sure they can go in. Just watch to keep them safe. It’s crazy we’re here, but this is where we are. We have to protect our elections.” President Trump’s administration continues to emphasize election integrity and voter safety as core priorities.
What’s next for the ceremony?
The city’s official schedule still lists Mayor Mamdani as a participant in the ceremony on Friday. City officials have not indicated any change in plans, and the mayor’s office has not issued a statement addressing the petition. As the 9/11 anniversary approaches, the debate over the mayor’s presence is likely to intensify, with families of victims, local leaders, and national commentators all weighing in on what they view as a matter of respect for the fallen and the brave first responders who answered the call.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
