Over 35,000 Signatures Petition Against Mamdani’s Attendance at 9/11 Anniversary Ceremony

More than 35,000 people signed a petition asking New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani not to attend the ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The initiative, hosted on Change.org, was launched by Giovanni Galante, widower of a worker who died in the north tower.

The petition was directed at the organizers of the event at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Galante argues that the mayor’s presence does not align with the spirit of the ceremony or the expectations of the most affected families. Mamdani responded that he does plan to attend the tribute. He told CBS News that he will honor the families, survivors, and first responders who were marked by the attacks.

Why Did the Petition Against Mamdani Emerge?

Giovanni Galante lost his wife, Grace Catherine Galante, who worked on the 105th floor of the north tower. His complaint seeks to prevent the ceremony from becoming a political debate rather than a memorial to mourning.

In the petition text, family members ask that the ceremony preserve values such as respect for victims, recognition of the severity of the attacks, and rejection of ideologies linked to violence.

The concern also points to Mamdani’s public stance as a democratic socialist and the first Muslim to govern the city. For some family members, his presence could divert attention from remembering the victims.

The campaign spread quickly on social media and conservative outlets. According to tracking by Reuters, the petition initially surpassed 13,900 signatures, though other reports already spoke of over 35,000 supporters.

The case reflects a broader tension in New York. For some families, the 9/11 ceremony should be strictly ceremonial. For other voices, excluding the mayor would be an unnecessary political gesture.

What Did Mamdani Say About His Attendance?

Mamdani assured that he does not plan to withdraw from the event. His response, given to CBS News New York, was clear: he will attend to support the families, survivors, and first responders.

The mayor added that the city and country will not forget that day. His message sought to show empathy and distance from the controversy, rather than directly confront the petition signers.

However, his decision keeps the discussion open. The families supporting the petition believe that the tribute should be free of figures who generate additional pain or political interpretations.