New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has stirred controversy during a commemoration event for the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. His actions, involving a former lawyer for an al-Qaeda member, have drawn severe backlash from families of victims and political figures.
1. Ceremonial Pen Handing:
On September 6, 2026, Mayor Mamdani signed two executive orders at a City Hall event.
The first order establishes September 11 as a Day of Remembrance and Service.
The second order enhances the city’s emergency preparedness plans.
2. Controversial Gesture:
During the signing, Mamdani handed the ceremonial pen to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who then passed it to Ramzi Kassem, Mamdani's chief counsel.
Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, an al-Qaeda operative involved in significant terrorism cases.
3. Public Response:
Families of 9/11 victims expressed outrage over the mayor's decision, with some questioning how he could honor someone associated with terrorism.
Critics included Dennis Warchola, who lost a brother on 9/11, and Joyce Cohen Day, whose mother died in the attacks. They condemned Mamdani's choice of handing the pen to Kassem.
Political figures also criticized the gesture. Assemblyman Kalman Yeger deemed it “sick,” and Council Member Vicki Paladino accused Kassem of being unfit for government service.
4. Mayor’s Office Statement:
In response to the criticism, the mayor's office stated that Kassem was present because he contributed to drafting the executive orders as part of his official duties.
The actions of Mayor Mamdani during the 9/11 commemoration, especially the gesture of passing the ceremonial pen to a former al-Qaeda lawyer, have sparked significant outrage among victims' families and political leaders, raising questions about the appropriateness of such decisions during solemn events.
https://dailycaller.com/2026/09/06/mamdani-9-11-pen-aide-al-qaeda-lawyer/
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