Mamdani Faces 98,000-Signature Petition To Keep Him Away From 9/11 Anniversary Memorial

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is confronting an unprecedented political storm ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, with more than 98,000 signatories petitioning him to stay away from the Ground Zero commemoration.

The petition, organised by grieving relatives including 9/11 widower Giovanni Galante, targets the mayor over past political positions and public associations. Galante's 29-year-old wife, Grace Catherine Galante, worked on the 105th floor of the North Tower on that day. Organisers plan to hand-deliver it to City Hall on 8 September, three days before the anniversary ceremony.

Rather than engaging in physical confrontations, several victims' families have stated they will simply turn their backs and ignore the mayor should he participate in the solemn rites.

Despite the fierce backlash, Mamdani has confirmed he will attend the ceremony to honour the victims, first responders, and families. The controversy highlights deep ideological fractures across the city as the nation marks a quarter-century since the historic tragedy.

As city officials attempt to maintain decorum and unity, the impending gathering threatens to become a high-stakes flashpoint between municipal leadership and bereaved community members.

'I Would Definitely Ignore Him'

Galante has made clear that those opposing Mamdani do not intend to physically confront him at Ground Zero.

'No one's going to be there saying, "You can't come in,"' he said. But if Mamdani approaches him to say hello or shake his hand, Galante added, 'I would definitely ignore him.'

That sets up an extraordinary possibility for the Mamdani 9/11 memorial controversy: no shouting match, no confrontation, just grieving relatives refusing to acknowledge the mayor as he attends one of the city's most solemn ceremonies.

Why Families Are Angry

Angie Pesce, whose brother Danny was among the Cantor Fitzgerald employees killed in the North Tower, told The Post she expects Mamdani to attend despite the opposition.

Maureen Santora, 81, whose 23-year-old son Christopher was a firefighter with Engine 54 who died in the attacks, said she hopes Mamdani does not speak during the ceremony. 'I just hope that he doesn't say a single word because most of us will be very upset,' Santora said.

Jeanette Puccio-Pick, who was nine when her father, Joseph O. Pick of Fiduciary Trust International, was killed on the 94th floor of the South Tower, said her focus would remain on honouring her father. 'If the mayor shows up, that's his prerogative. I'm there to honour my father,' she said.

Mamdani Plans To Attend

The petition has not persuaded Mamdani to stay away. He has said he will attend the September 11 commemoration and honour the families, survivors and first responders affected by the attacks.

Mamdani has also taken concrete steps ahead of the anniversary. On 4 September, he signed an executive order establishing September 11 as a citywide Day of Remembrance and Service.

A second order updated the city's emergency continuity and preparedness framework and established a new interagency Continuity and Mission Assurance Team. Those actions have not ended the dispute over his presence at Ground Zero.

Opposition Spreads Beyond the Petition

The campaign against Mamdani has expanded beyond the online petition. Former New York Gov. George Pataki, who was governor during the 2001 attacks, has said Mamdani should skip the 25th-anniversary memorial. Retired Port Authority police officers have also called on Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul to stay away from the Ground Zero ceremony.

The petition itself cites concerns about Mamdani's public positions, associations, and responses to rhetoric that organisers say they find hostile. Those are claims made by the petition organisers, rather than established findings about the mayor.

Not Every Family Opposes Mamdani

There is an important counterpoint: the 98,000 signatures should not be portrayed as representing all 9/11 victims' families.

September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows has defended Mamdani's participation and criticised efforts to exclude him. Other relatives have also argued that the commemoration should not become a political fight.

That makes the dispute more complicated than a simple clash between Mamdani and 'the 9/11 families'. Some relatives want him absent, while others defend his right to attend.

The September 8 Test

The immediate showdown comes on September 8, when Galante and Queens City Councilwoman Joann Ariola plan to hold a press conference outside City Hall and deliver the petition.

Organisers of the annual commemoration have historically maintained strict neutrality by barring political speeches at Ground Zero. Elected officials participate strictly as silent observers to ensure the focus remains entirely on the victims.

Three days later, Mamdani says he plans to be at Ground Zero. For some 9/11 relatives, the response is already decided. No confrontation. No handshake. Just silence.