Ex-FDNY Chief urges Mamdani to skip 9/11 memorial over pen-handling controversy
TL;DR
Former FDNY Commissioner Tom Von Essen urged Mayor Zohran Mamdani to skip the 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial, saying his presence would offend families, after Mamdani’s signing of 9/11-related orders and a ceremonial pen handoff to Ramzi Kassem, a lawyer who once represented an al-Qaeda-linked figure. More than 100,000 people signed a petition urging him not to attend, but Mamdani insists he will participate to honor victims and first responders, drawing criticism from Giuliani and Pataki.
- Exclusive | FDNY commish during 9/11 attacks slams Mamdani’s signing ceremony with terrorist’s lawyer, urges him to stay away from memorial New York Post
- Pataki says Mamdani should skip 9/11 memorial City & State New York
- “I Hope the Mayor Is Given a Respectful Reception.” Mamdani Goes to the Heart of FDNY Country for a Tense 9/11 Anniversary Event Vanity Fair
- Zohran Mamdani packs schedule with 9/11 commemorations, including speaking at NYPD’s official ceremony NBC News
- Families of 9/11 victims' message to Mamdani: 'Please do not come' to memorial ceremony Fox News
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