Patricia Heaton backs calls to bar Zohran Mamdani from 9/11 anniversary ceremony: 'Keep it going'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Actress Patricia Heaton has entered the growing debate surrounding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's planned appearance at this year's 9/11 commemoration.

On Monday, July 27, the ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ star publicly endorsed a petition calling for Mamdani to be barred from the annual ceremony, adding fresh attention to a campaign that has already gathered more than 40,000 signatures.

Heaton's brief message on X came as the petition continued to gain momentum online, even as Mamdani made it clear that he still intends to attend the September 11 remembrance event.

Patricia Heaton lends support to petition against Zohran Mamdani

The actress shared a post highlighting the petition before adding her own message to supporters.

"Keep it going New Yorkers," Heaton wrote on X. Her post quickly sparked debate, with social media users offering sharply different reactions.

While some praised the actress for speaking out, others questioned why she had entered a political debate.

The petition itself was launched on July 9 by Giovanni Galante, who lost his wife during the September 11 terrorist attacks. It argues that the annual commemoration should remain focused solely on remembering those affected by the tragedy.

Petition argues 9/11 ceremony should remain focused on victims

According to its description, the campaign was created out of concern for families directly impacted by the attacks.

"For 9/11 families, this is not simply a public ceremony—it is a deeply personal day of mourning," the petition states. 

It continues by arguing that "the presence of individuals whose words or associations are perceived as conflicting with the solemn purpose of the event risks detracting from that focus and causing additional pain."

The petition has steadily attracted signatures since it was launched, with supporters saying they want the annual remembrance to remain centered on victims, survivors and their families.

Heaton's endorsement has now introduced a celebrity voice into the discussion, bringing wider attention to the campaign as it continues to circulate online.

Zohran Mamdani says he will attend despite petition

Despite the growing petition and the attention it has received, Mamdani has indicated that he has no plans to stay away from the event.

Responding to the controversy, the New York City mayor said he would proudly take part in this year's commemoration alongside those directly affected by the attacks.

"I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack, by standing alongside them at this year's 9/11 commemoration — reaffirming that we will never forget the solemn day felt by all of us who call this city home, and frankly, by all of us who call this country home," Mamdani said.

His remarks make clear that the petition has not changed his plans to attend.