The push from families of 9/11 victims to keep New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani out of Ground Zero’s 25th anniversary ceremony has drawn firm backing from Republican senators, centering on concerns about his statements and associations and whether his presence would honor the memory of the dead.
Families launched an online petition asking the memorial to exclude Mayor Mamdani from the commemorative events, arguing his inclusion would be hurtful to relatives who lost loved ones on 9/11. The petition lists multiple specific worries and has drawn a large chorus of signatures demanding that the ceremony reflect the families’ wishes. Organizers say the goal is to protect the solemnity of the event and the feelings of those most directly affected.
Republican senators have been blunt in their reaction, making clear they back the families’ call for exclusion if Mamdani’s views remain as reported. “It might be appropriate if he goes while wearing a paper bag over his head,” Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said. “I mean I can’t defend anything that guy says or does,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., added.
FIREFIGHTER BROTHER OF 9/11 VICTIM INCENSED BY ‘RADICAL’ MUSLIMS WINNING KEY DEM PRIMARIES is the kind of sentiment fueling anger from survivors and relatives who feel the mayor’s record clashes with the memory of the attack. The petition accuses Mamdani of failing to directly condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada” and of associating with people the families consider extremist or anti-American. It also raises concern about remarks and associations tied to Mamdani’s upbringing and the views attributed to his father.
The families point to what they describe as eight clear reasons not to include him, from praise or appointments of figures they link to radical Islam to controversial comments about the United States’ role in radicalization. They reference Mamdani’s reported remarks about Anwar al-Awlaki and his endorsement of a local candidate, arguing these actions are inconsistent with what a Ground Zero ceremony should represent. Those concerns are driving the petition and the public statements from lawmakers.
MAMDANI’S POLITICS LINKED TO MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD IDEOLOGY AS NEW YORK VIOLENCE ESCALATES: REPORT captures the tone of GOP criticism, which centers on whether his politics and appointments validate or platform extremist views. “His opinions on America’s place in the world are pretty different than probably most of those families feel,” Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., said. Lawmakers say the ceremony should prioritize the families’ expectations over political posturing.
Some accusations are sharper, with claims Mamdani has “platformed Islamic extremism, and he openly supports Hamas, as does his wife,” Sheehy claimed. Those words reflect the deepest fears among petition supporters who view any perceived sympathy or tolerance for extremist groups as disqualifying from a memorial meant to honor victims of Islamist terror. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., echoed the disgust many feel: “I think he has said some pretty disgusting things and seems to be on that trend line that he’s going to talk like that more and more,” she said.
The petition had more than 82,000 signatures as of Monday evening, demonstrating broad public backing for the families’ position. Mamdani has said he still plans to attend this year’s commemoration, and his decision has only intensified debate about who should speak and who should be welcomed at Ground Zero. His office did not provide comment to inquiries about the petition and the controversy surrounding his attendance.
“As far as I’m concerned, he’s a disgrace and an embarrassment to the country, but we’ll see if he shows up, right?” Sheehy said, reflecting a refusal among critics to let the issue pass quietly. “At the end of the day, those families should have the say who’s going to show up and honor the memory of their own families,” Sheehy said, underscoring the central argument that survivors and relatives should control the ceremony’s guest list.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.