100k Signatures Against Mamdani’s Attendance of This Year's 9/11’s Anniversary Commemoration
Photography By Mildred Dominici
By Sara Outar
Last Friday, September 11, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks where nearly 3,000 people were killed. Every year, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum holds their Commemoration Ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza, where families of the victims gather to honor those who were lost. The ceremony includes reading the names of all 2,983 victims of and multiple moments of silence.
This year, many of the families of the victims called for Zohran Mamdani to not attend the ceremony. Mamdani has faced significant backlash from some victims' family members and political figures, primarily asking him not to attend.
The Petition Against Mamdani
The petition, calling for Mamdani to not attend this year’s 9/11 commemoration, has received more than 100,000 signatures. The signees argued that the anniversary should be a time to honor the victims and serve as a reminder of “shared American values.”
Those behind the petition have pointed to his past associations and political positions, and use them to claim his presence at the event would be inappropriate.
You can view that petition here.
Mamdani’s Executive Orders
Another part of the discussion is the actions Mamdani undertook in preparation for the 25th anniversary.
On September 4, Mamdani signed two executive orders connected to 9/11 remembrance and improving our protocol for future emergencies.
The first executive order establishes September 11 as a Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service. This order calls for a citywide moment of silence and institutes 9/11 as a day to honor all those affected by the attacks, which includes the victims, families, first responders, and those who died later from illnesses connected to 9/11.
The second executive order updates the city’s continuity-of-operations planning that helps ensure the city can provide essential services in the case of an emergency. This is the first time this planning has been strengthened since 2007.
Mamdani’s Response
Despite these actions, the petition is still up and the amount of signatures is only increasing. Mamdani, however, has made it clear he will attend the commemoration, stating, “I will be there on Friday at the memorial just as I was last year.”
Sara Outar is a sophomore pursuing her bachelor's degree in Childhood Education and English. She has always been passionate about reading and creating literature which led her to join The Paper. In her free time she enjoys fiber arts such as crocheting, knitting, and sewing.
Comments