NYC Mayor Faces Criticism Over 9/11 Ceremony Gesture

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has come under fire after a controversial act during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. The mayor presented a ceremonial pen to a chief aide, drawing criticism due to the aide’s past association with a convicted al Qaeda member.

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Mamdani signed executive orders marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. These orders aimed to designate the date as a citywide day of remembrance and service, and to enhance efforts against future terrorist threats.

After signing the final order, Mamdani gave the pen to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who then passed it to Ramzi Kassem, the mayor’s chief counsel. Kassem was previously involved in representing Ahmed al-Darbi, a Guantánamo Bay detainee linked to al Qaeda plots.

Public Backlash

The decision to hand the pen to Kassem drew significant criticism on social media. Many argued that Kassem’s role detracted from the event, which aimed to honor those killed in the attacks and the first responders who perished while trying to save them.

An individual commented, “This is a slap in the face to victims ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.”

Another social media user described Mamdani’s gesture as deliberate and said it undermined the significance of 9/11.

City Hall’s Position

City Hall defended Kassem’s presence at the ceremony by stating that his team drafted both executive orders. However, Kassem’s past legal work, especially representing al-Darbi, has drawn attention and scrutiny.

Before the event, Kassem was involved in founding a legal clinic at CUNY, which provides free representation to Muslims. He also represented Mahmoud Khalil, linked to a pro-Palestinian group.

Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani’s office for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Amanda Macias covers business, economics, and politics, focusing on how policy decisions affect markets and American workers.