New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani participated in an unveiling ceremony for a new 9/11 Memorial Wall at One Police Plaza on September 9, 2026. The event was marked by controversy due to Mamdani’s past statements and associations, which have prompted backlash ahead of the city’s events memorializing the World Trade Center attacks.
Actor Robert De Niro voiced his opinion regarding Mamdani’s participation, suggesting that despite criticisms, the mayor should attend the memorial. He stated, “I don’t see why he shouldn’t come. He’s the mayor.” De Niro acknowledged the pain of families affected by 9/11 but maintained that Mamdani should be present.
Mamdani’s previous comments about the NYPD during the George Floyd protests in 2020 have fueled criticism. He had called for defunding the police and labeled the NYPD as racist, anti-queer, and a threat to public safety. This rhetoric has contributed to the controversy surrounding his participation in memorial events.
“You can’t defund the police. It’s not going to happen, but I still think he should be at the memorial,” De Niro remarked, emphasizing the importance of Mamdani’s presence.
An online petition, signed by over 100,000 people, requested Mamdani to stay away from the memorial. The petition cited his praise for Brooklyn Imam Siraj Wahhaj, linked to radical Islam, and his endorsements of candidates with controversial views.
Mamdani has faced scrutiny for gifting a ceremonial pen from a 9/11 ceremony to Ramzi Kassem, his chief counsel, who previously represented a convicted al Qaeda member.
The controversy extends to Mamdani’s associations with figures like Hasan Piker, known for his past comments on 9/11, and his hiring of Kassem, who defended a Guantánamo Bay detainee.
Mary Marslender, a former Trump appointee, argued that Mamdani’s stance on defunding the police cannot be easily dismissed. Elizabeth Pipko, a former RNC spokesperson, criticized De Niro’s comments as showing privilege and ignorance.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani’s office for comment but did not receive a response.
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