Mamdani, Hochul face stunning Ground Zero snub as 600 retired 9/11 cops demand they stay away

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks is already becoming a political flashpoint in New York, with 600 retired Port Authority police officers urging Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov Kathy Hochul not to attend the Ground Zero commemoration.

The retired officers, in separate letters written on August 11, say both politicians have taken actions or positions that have alienated members of the 9/11 community and could turn the anniversary ceremony into a political dispute.

Cops warn Zohran Mamdani and Kathy Hochul

According to the reports published by multiple media outlets, the Port Authority Retired Police Association, representing former officers from New York, has formally told both elected officials that they do not want them at the memorial ceremony.

Association President John McDevitt reportedly said the group does not believe Mamdani has earned the right to stand with 9/11 families, survivors and first responders at Ground Zero. 

In the letter, he argued that the mayor’s presence could cause significant distress for people directly affected by the attacks.

The group’s objection to Mamdani centers largely on his past rhetoric and political affiliations, which the retired officers characterize as hostile toward law enforcement and sympathetic toward anti-American figures or movements.

The association also challenged Hochul over her decision to have One World Trade Center illuminated in connection with her proclamation recognizing January as Muslim American Heritage Month.

McDevitt described that decision as deeply offensive to those who served at the World Trade Center and said it demonstrated a lack of sensitivity toward the victims, their families and first responders.

Hochul and Mamdani vow to attend ceremony

Despite the demand, neither politician has indicated that they intend to stay away.

A spokesperson for Hochul reportedly said the governor plans to attend the commemoration and emphasized her respect for 9/11 families.

Mamdani's office likewise reiterated his intention to attend the September 11 ceremony and honor those who died, survived, and responded to the attack.

The retired officers’ intervention adds to opposition already directed at Mamdani over his planned appearance at Ground Zero.

A separate petition run by the victims' families calling on the mayor to skip the anniversary ceremony continues to gather thousands of signatures, putting additional attention on whether his presence will be welcomed at the memorial.

The families have also raised objections over Mamdani's past remarks and positions that they say are 'disrespectful' to the victims.