9/11 families urge Mayor Zohran Mamdani to skip the 9/11 memorial

Key Points:

• A coalition of 9/11 family members, first responders, and elected officials urged New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to stay away from this year's Sept. 11 memorial service, describing it as a private ceremony that should remain free of political presence.
• The group, led by family members like Charles Wolf and organized by Giovanni Galante, delivered a petition with over 101,000 signatures to City Hall, emphasizing that Mamdani's political positions and appointments have caused distress among victims' families.
• Critics cited Mamdani's appointment of Ramzi Kassem, a former defense lawyer for individuals accused of terror ties, and his political associations as reasons for their objections, asserting that the mayor does not represent the families' interests.
• Elected officials including NYC Council Members Vickie Paladino and Joann Ariola, both Republicans, condemned Mamdani's intended attendance, calling it performative and urging him to respect the solemnity of the event by not attending the 25th anniversary memorial.