'He'll show up to be spiteful': 9/11 families vow to turn their backs on Mamdani at Ground Zero

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani may walk into New York’s 25th anniversary 9/11 commemoration expecting to honor victims and survivors, but some families say they will respond by turning away from him.

The tension comes as Mamdani faces criticism from sections of the 9/11 community over his political record and associations.

The New York Post spoke to 9/11 families who, on Saturday, September 5, outlined how they plan to respond if Mamdani attends the ceremony.

9/11 families prepare to ignore Zohran Mamdani

For some relatives, the mayor’s presence is almost secondary to the reason they return to Ground Zero each year.

Jeanette Puccio-Pick told the New York Post that she intends to keep her attention on her father, Joseph Pick, rather than on whoever occupies City Hall.

Pick died in the South Tower when Puccio-Pick was nine.

“If the mayor shows up, that’s his prerogative. I’m there to honor my father,” she told the NY Post.

She also expressed reservations about politicians becoming prominent figures during the commemoration, saying that the occasion is already emotionally difficult for families.

“I don’t really want any politicians there, unless they’re there in a civilian capacity. But with politicians, it’s always a photo-op. The day is stressful enough,” Puccio-Pick said.

Giovanni Galante, whose wife Grace was killed in the attacks, told the outlet that nobody intends to physically challenge Mamdani if he appears but vowed not to engage with him.

“I know he likes to come in your face and try to say hello and shake your hand, but I would definitely ignore him,” Galante said.

Families remain disappointed in Zohran Mamdani

Angie Pesce, whose brother Danny was among the Cantor Fitzgerald employees killed in the North Tower, was even more pointed in describing what she expects from Mamdani.

“He'll show up to be spiteful,” Pesce told the NY Post.

Maureen Santora also said that she would be deeply unhappy if Mamdani addresses the gathering.

Santora’s son Christopher was a firefighter with Engine 54 who died in the attacks.

“I just hope that he doesn’t say a single word because most of us will be very upset,” she said.

Mamdani, however, has not indicated that he intends to withdraw.

In July, he said he would stand with 9/11 families, survivors, and first responders at this year’s ceremony and reaffirm the city’s commitment to remembering the attacks. 

Mamdani, on Friday, also joined the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony organized by Department of Correction officers who played a critical role in evacuation operations and the aftermath of the attacks.

His recent appearances at 9/11 remembrance events suggest that Mamdani is already preparing to take his place at the main 25th-anniversary ceremony at Ground Zero.