Sources Say Ex-Giuliani Aide Disputes Mamdani, AOC Laughing Claim
Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the Ground Zero memorial for the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. He and Giuliani briefly shook hands before parting.
- 110,000 people signed a petition asking Mamdani to skip the ceremony.
- Petitioners cited Mamdani's appointment of Ramzi Kassem as city chief legal counsel.
- Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, an al-Qaeda operative convicted of war crimes.
- Vice President Vance and former presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton also attended.
Why it matters: The ceremony is invitation-only and hosted by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Some families say the day is personal mourning, not a public platform.
- Petitioners said Mamdani's words and associations conflict with the ceremony's purpose.
- Controversy deepened after Mamdani handed Kassem a ceremonial pen previously used to sign 9/11-related executive orders.
How 41 sources split on this story
Where they split: The dispute centers on whether Mamdani's associations disqualify him from the ceremony, or whether calls for his exclusion reflect anti-Muslim bias.
Center coverage, 7 sources: The center presents the story as a factual account of the petition, Mamdani's associations, and his decision to attend despite significant opposition.
Newsweek7hTrump, Mamdani and AOC face criticism over reactions to 9/11 commemorationsCNCTV News2hBrief interaction between NYC Mayor Mamdani and AOC captured on video at 9/11 ceremony stirs up debate
France 241dTrump absent as New York marks 25 years since 9/11 with first Muslim mayorSnoSnopes2dSome 9/11 victims' families want Mamdani to stay away from memorial event
The Hill11hMamdani and Giuliani shake hands at 9/11 commemorationWYWKBN Youngstown10hMamdani and Giuliani shake hands at 9/11 commemorationLeft coverage, 10 sources: The left frames the calls to exclude Mamdani as anti-Muslim discrimination, and turns scrutiny on Giuliani's own post-9/11 record on air safety.
The Independent14hGiuliani comes face to face with Mamdani at 9/11 ceremony after urging him to skip it
Mediaite6hRudy Giuliani’s Message to Zohran Mamdani During 9/11 Memorial Handshake RevealedCleCleveland.com7hMAGA erupts over how Mamdani, AOC behaved at 9/11 ceremony
CNN4hBrief interaction between NYC Mayor Mamdani and AOC captured on video at 9/11 ceremony stirs up debate
Hollywood Reporter15h‘9/11: Reunited’ Firefighter on Giuliani’s Mamdani Attack: “Leave Politics Out of It”
HuffPost9hJames Carville Torches Rudy Giuliani’s Attack On Mamdani: 'A**hole Of This Century'NYMNew York Magazine10hGiuliani Manages to Be Cordial to Mamdani at Ground Zero
Raw Story9hRight-wingers in 'shock' after Giuliani shakes Mamdani's hand at Ground Zero
The Atlantic1dWhat Bush Understood That Trump Didn’tRight coverage, 24 sources: The right frames Mamdani's attendance as a provocation, emphasizing Kassem's al-Qaeda client and Mamdani's past statements as disqualifying.
Washington Examiner9hAOC and Mamdani take heat for laughing as 9/11 victims' names are read off
One America News22hMamdani releases video statement ahead of controversial 9/11 ceremony appearance
New York Post5hExclusive | Rudy Giuliani reveals what he told Mamdani during awkward handshake — and even offered surprising praise
Fox News4hFirefighter caught on camera ripping pro-Palestinian agitator in Elmo costume near Ground Zero on 9/11
Twitchy7hKathy Hochul Ditches Ground Zero Ceremony for Pow-Wow With CNN and Wolf Blitzer
Breitbart News8hWATCH: Mamdani, AOC Appear to Yuk It Up at Ground Zero While 9/11 Victims' Names Are Read
Daily Mail2hRudy Giuliani reveals what he said to Mamdani over awkward handshake at 9/11 memorial after public spat
RedState8hHot Takes: Mamdani and AOC's Cavalier Dishonoring of 9/11 Victims Ages Worse Than Curdled Milk
Hot Air6hFriday's Final Word
Just the News1d'Absolute travesty:' House Intel chairman slams AOC-Mamdani 'giggle-gate' moment at 9-11 ceremony
Louder with Crowder11hMamdani and AOC Seen Laughing During 9/11 Ceremony as Families Mourn Victims
The Gateway Pundit5hWATCH: NYC Firefighter Goes Off on Pro-Palestine Protester – “Go Back to F*cking Palestine… Take F*cking Obama, Take F*cking Mamdani, and F*cking AOC!” * The Gateway Pundit * by Jordan ConradsonWhat’s next: Mamdani said he wants the week focused on victims' families and first responders.
- The New York City Mayor's Office released records alleging Giuliani misled residents about post-9/11 air safety.
- Will the controversy over Kassem's role affect his position as city chief legal counsel?
- How will victims' family groups respond following Mamdani's attendance at the ceremony?