“The 25th anniversary should remain centered on remembrance, unity, and an unambiguous rejection of the violence and extremism that defined that day."
A petition signed by thousands of people, including hundreds of 9/11 victims’ family members, argues that the annual memorial should remain focused on remembrance and should not include officials connected to people or groups accused by organizers of minimizing terrorism.
The petition states that the 25th anniversary ceremony should maintain a focus on unity and rejecting extremism.
“The 25th anniversary should remain centered on remembrance, unity, and an unambiguous rejection of the violence and extremism that defined that day,” the petition declares, according to CBS News. “Ensuring that all participants reflect these principles is essential to preserving the integrity of the commemoration.”
According to The New York Post, about 300 family members of victims are among roughly 5,500 people who have signed the petition so far.
Giovanni Galante, whose wife Grace Catherine Galante died in the attacks, said Mamdani’s attendance would be inappropriate.
“This day is sacred to us,” Galante told the outlet. “It is not political, and it is not a platform for those connected to such views. His presence would be deeply hurtful and inappropriate — like an unwelcome guest at a deeply personal ceremony.” Cheri Sparacio, who lost her husband Thomas in the attacks, also criticized the possibility of Mamdani attending, calling it “disrespectful” to victims’ families.
Organizers said Mamdani is among officials invited to attend the event but will not be delivering remarks. The mayor’s office confirmed he plans to be present. Mamdani faces separate backlash over his comments regarding Israel and accusations that he has contributed to rising antisemitic tensions in New York City.
During a Sunday appearance, Mamdani responded to criticism after Jewish New Yorkers held a rally against antisemitism following a stabbing attack on two men in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Some protesters accused the mayor of worsening tensions after he released a video criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and saying he was not welcome in New York City.
"Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City," Mamdani said in the video. Mamdani rejected claims that his comments fuel antisemitism.
"I would say first and foremost is there's no tolerance for antisemitism in this city. We have to root out antisemitism across the five boroughs and that's because the city is one that has no room for hate or bigotry of any kind, and when we make criticism of a nation state or policy, we have to remember those are criticisms of exactly that never of a people, never of a faith," Mamdani said.
The controversy follows a recent Upper West Side stabbing case being investigated as a possible hate crime. Raul Morales, 51, was charged with two counts of second-degree attempted murder as a hate crime. Both victims are expected to survive.
Video was also taken at a Dominican parade, where onlookers were seen giving Mamdani the thumbs-down gesture, while also shouting at him.
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