Mamdani Attends 9/11 Memorial Despite Families' Plea

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to attend the Ground Zero 9/11 memorial despite a petition signed by roughly 110,000 relatives of victims urging him to skip, criticizing his appointment of Ramzi Kassem as chief counsel who previously represented an al-Qaeda operative. Critics say the presence risks reopening wounds, while supporters urge focusing the ceremony on remembrance and unity. The invite-only event also involves other dignitaries and high-profile attendees, and Mamdani defends his decision as honoring first responders and victims.