'This day is sacred to us': 9/11 widower leads fight to keep Mamdani away from Ground Zero

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks is only a few months away, but New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is already at the center of an emotional controversy.

Hundreds of families who lost loved ones in the deadliest attack in American history are urging organizers to keep him away from this year's Ground Zero ceremony, arguing that his presence would reopen old wounds on a day meant solely to honor the nearly 3,000 victims and those forever changed by the tragedy.

Families launch petition to bar Zohran Mamdani

A petition demanding that Mamdani not attend the September 11 remembrance has gathered more than 2,999 signatures in just over a week, including at least 300 from relatives of victims.

Leading the campaign is Giovanni Galante, whose wife, Grace Catherine Galante, was among the 2,977 people killed in the attacks.

Galante, while speaking to the New York Post for a report published Saturday, July 25, said the objection has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with preserving the sanctity of the annual memorial.

"Our objection is based on his public record, his failure to meaningfully acknowledge the horror of that day, and his employment of, support for, or association with individuals who have minimized 9/11, defended violent groups, or even suggested America 'deserved' the attacks," he said.

"This day is sacred to us," Galante added. "It is not political, and it is not a platform for those connected to such views. His presence would be deeply hurtful and inappropriate, like an unwelcome guest at a deeply personal ceremony."

Several longtime advocates for September 11 families have also reportedly joined the effort.

Cheri Sparacio, whose husband Thomas died in the attacks, said there were countless reasons relatives felt the mayor should stay away.

Monica Iken-Murphy, whose husband Michael Iken was killed on September 11, said her concerns were personal rather than political.

For many relatives, she said, the silver anniversary represents a deeply personal milestone, one that should belong to grieving families, survivors and first responders.

Petition points to mayor's past positions

The petition lists several concerns that organizers say make Mamdani's attendance inappropriate.

Among them are his refusal to condemn violent slogans, endorsements of candidates who previously made controversial remarks about September 11, appointments involving attorneys who represented controversial clients, and past statements and associations that critics believe diminish the significance of the attacks.

Supporters say the issue is not about Mamdani's religion or political affiliation but about ensuring the milestone anniversary remains focused on those who suffered unimaginable loss.

"The 25th anniversary should remain centered on remembrance, unity, and an unambiguous rejection of the violence and extremism that defined that day," the petition states.