Retired Port Authority officers tell Mamdani, Hochul to stay away from Ground Zero on 9/11

Retired Port Authority police officers have written to Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul, requesting they not attend the 25th anniversary 9/11 commemoration at Ground Zero. The officers cite concerns over Mamdani’s statements and political associations, and Hochul’s decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month, believing their presence would cause pain and shift focus from the victims. Both officials plan to attend, with Hochul’s office stating her respect for the families and Mamdani’s office indicating he will “proudly honor” them.

• Retired Port Authority police officers asked Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul to skip the 25th anniversary 9/11 commemoration at Ground Zero.
• The officers believe the politicians’ attendance would be a political occasion, not a solemn remembrance, and would inflict “deep pain” on victims’ families, survivors, and first responders.
• Concerns were raised about Mamdani’s public statements and associations, and Hochul’s decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month.
• The officers stated that 37 Port Authority police officers and 47 other Port Authority members died in the 2001 attacks.
• Mamdani plans to attend and “proudly honor” those affected, while Hochul’s office affirmed her respect for the families and her intention to “proudly stand alongside them.”