9/11 Families Petition to Exclude NYC Mayor from 25th Anniversary Ceremony

The Petition’s Arguments

The initiative was launched by Giovanni Galante, who lost his wife on the 105th floor of the North Tower. Galante, along with other families such as Cheri Sparacio and Monica Iken-Murphy, expressed concern that certain public positions taken by Mamdani—and his lack of clear condemnation of phrases like “globalize the intifada”—could be incompatible with the solemn nature of the event.

“For the families of 9/11 victims, this is not simply a public event, but a deeply personal day of mourning. The presence of individuals whose words or affiliations are perceived as contradictory to the solemn purpose of the event risks diverting attention from that goal and causing additional pain,” the petition states.

The Mayor’s Stance and the Memorial’s Response

Mayor Mamdani has reiterated his intention to participate in the tribute. In a statement to CBS, he said he will proudly honor the families, survivors, and first responders, reaffirming that “we will never forget the solemn day that all of us who call this city home felt.”

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum noted that officials from across the political spectrum attend the ceremony as witnesses, without giving speeches. Even Dennis McKeon, organizer of the Staten Island survivors’ group, does not oppose the mayor’s attendance, emphasizing that the commemoration should focus on remembrance and healing.