New York: A group of families who lost loved ones in the September 11 attacks, along with first responders and elected officials, has urged New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani not to attend Friday’s 25th-anniversary memorial ceremony at Ground Zero.
The group gathered outside City Hall on September 8 to deliver its message, saying the annual ceremony is a deeply personal occasion for families still living with the loss of loved ones.
Families ask mayor to respect their grief
Charles Wolf, whose wife Katherine died in the attacks, said the families were asking Mamdani to stay away because the ceremony reopens painful memories. The group described the event as a private commemoration centred on those who died and the first responders who served during the tragedy.
A petition calling for Mamdani to be excluded from the ceremony has attracted more than 100,000 signatures, according to reports. The campaign has also received support from some prominent political figures.
However, the opposition does not represent all 9/11 families. Some relatives have defended Mamdani’s attendance, saying the focus should remain on remembering the victims rather than excluding elected officials from the ceremony.
Mamdani says he will honour victims and first responders
Mamdani has confirmed that he intends to attend the Ground Zero ceremony. He has said he wants the anniversary to focus on the families, survivors and first responders affected by the attacks.
Earlier this month, he also designated September 11 as New York City’s official Day of Remembrance and Service, introducing a citywide moment of silence and other remembrance activities.
The controversy comes as New York prepares to mark 25 years since the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and profoundly changed the city and the United States.
For many families, Friday’s ceremony will remain above politics — a solemn moment to remember those whose lives were lost and those who continue to carry the consequences of that day.