NYC Mayor Faces Criticism Over 9/11 Ceremony Gesture

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced criticism for giving a ceremonial pen from a 9/11 remembrance ceremony to Ramzi Kassem, chief counsel and a former representative for an individual connected to the 9/11 attacks. The decision sparked backlash amid preparations for the 25th anniversary of September 11.

During the ceremony, Mamdani signed executive orders designating September 11 as a day of remembrance and service, also emphasizing efforts to prevent terrorist threats. After signing the final order, Mamdani handed the pen to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who passed it to Kassem.

Critics took to social media, particularly X, to express dissatisfaction with the gesture. They argued Kassem’s involvement diminished the memorial event’s purpose of honoring the victims and first responders of 9/11. Benny Johnson commented that the action was an affront to victims ahead of the critical anniversary.

A previous post by Mamdani regarding 9/11 had already drawn attention before the ceremony. Users recalled the recycling of tributes in past years. Particularly, Kassem’s connection to Ahmed al-Darbi, a Guantánamo Bay detainee and convicted war criminal linked to al Qaeda, intensified criticism. Kassem’s legal team had crafted the city’s executive orders as part of his duties.

Reactions included remarks from social media users like former New York state Senate candidate Maria Danzilo, stating the difficulties of living under the current mayor in NYC during the lead-up to such an important day. Another user’s comment implied the gesture undermined 9/11’s memory.

The attention on Kassem stems from his previous representation of Ahmed al-Darbi, who was involved in maritime terror plots related to al Qaeda. Al-Darbi’s sister was married to one of the hijackers in the attack on the Pentagon. Kassem also founded a legal clinic offering free representation to Muslims and had represented Mahmoud Khalil, linked to a pro-Palestinian group.

The mayor’s office has not provided comments to Fox News Digital regarding the ceremony’s events. Amanda Macias reports on the intersection of business, economics, and politics, focusing on policy impacts on markets, businesses, and American workers.