New York City Mayor and Governor Face Backlash Over 9/11 Anniversary Attendance

New York, NY – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul are under fire from retired Port Authority police officers over their planned attendance at the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks at Ground Zero. The officers, who served at the site during the attacks, have demanded that the two officials stay away, arguing that their presence would cause "deep pain" to victims' families, survivors, and first responders.

In letters dated August 14, John McDevitt, president of the Port Authority Retired Police Association, urged Mamdani and Hochul not to attend the Sept. 11 ceremony. McDevitt emphasized that the day is a solemn occasion for those who lost loved ones, those who responded, and those who survived the tragedy.

"For us, September 11 is not a political occasion, a photo opportunity, or a platform for public officials," McDevitt wrote to Mamdani. "It is a solemn day of remembrance for those who were murdered, those who responded, those who survived, and the families who have carried these losses for twenty-five years."

The retired officers, who referred to the World Trade Center as "our home," highlighted the significant loss of life during the attacks. "Thirty-seven of our brothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice," McDevitt wrote. "Their memorial should not become the center of political controversy."

The association also expressed concerns about Mamdani's public statements, political associations, and positions, which they believe are inconsistent with the sacrifice of victims and law enforcement officers. McDevitt wrote that Mamdani's presence at Ground Zero on the 25th anniversary would cause deep pain to many members of the 9/11 community and risk shifting attention away from the people the ceremony is meant to honor.

In addition to Mamdani, the retired officers also took issue with Hochul's decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month, arguing that the decision was insensitive and tone-deaf. They called the decision an "affront" to those who served at the World Trade Center, victims' families, survivors, and first responders.

Hochul's office pushed back on the retired officers' demand, stating that the governor has enormous respect for all the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 and will proudly stand alongside them at this year's commemoration. A spokesperson for Hochul added that Muslim New Yorkers "served as first responders and helped unite the city in the aftermath."

The controversy surrounding the 9/11 anniversary has sparked a broader debate about the role of politics in remembrance ceremonies. Some argue that public officials should focus on unity and respect for those affected by the attacks, while others believe that their presence can bring attention to important issues.

As the 25th anniversary approaches, the decision of whether Mamdani and Hochul will attend the Ground Zero ceremony remains a contentious issue. The retired Port Authority police officers hope that their call for the officials to stay away will be heeded, allowing the day to be a moment of solemn remembrance for those affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.