New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to attend the main September 11 memorial service, where he is set to encounter former mayor Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani, who led the city during the 2001 terrorist attacks, recently disparaged Mamdani's Muslim religion and suggested he should not attend the ceremony.
In an interview with Newsmax, Giuliani stated, "Having lost friends there and being very close to many of the families, it offends me that he’s coming." He also appeared to draw parallels between Mamdani’s faith and the 9/11 hijackers.
Mayor Mamdani confirmed on Monday that he will attend the main ceremony and multiple 9/11 events on Friday. He stated his intention to stand with the families of those who died and first responders, as he did last year. Mamdani's office has declined to respond to Giuliani's remarks.
Giuliani has also stated he will attend this year's ceremony. Other high-profile figures, including former New York governor George Pataki, have voiced opposition to Mamdani's attendance.