Mamdani’s 9/11 pen gesture draws backlash as aide with al-Qaeda ties receives it

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed 9/11–related executive orders at City Hall and then handed the ceremonial 9/11 pen to Ramzi Kassem, his chief counsel who once represented Ahmed al-Darbi, an al‑Qaeda operative; the moment, witnessed as Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch passed the pen to Kassem, drew sharp criticism from 9/11 families and several lawmakers who said the gesture was disrespectful and calculated, while supporters framed it as a symbolic focus on victims and security ahead of the anniversary.