AOC and Mamdani Spotted Laughing at 9/11 Memorial
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were spotted laughing while the names of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks were being read aloud at Ground Zero, sparking outrage online as users cast them as “despicable.”
The frame preceding the shot of the two political figures chuckling shows a man hunched over the memorial at Ground Zero with his face in his arms. His shoulders appear to twitch up and down, signaling that he may be crying.
Public Outcry and Social Media Backlash
It was soon called out by internet users, who denounced their perceivably “despicable” behavior.
“The frame before you has a man breaking down in tears over the memorial, and then it cuts to AOC and Mamdani laughing. Despicable,” one wrote.
“So giddy as the deceased are being named. Disgusting,” another added.
“Saw the exact moment. Wanted to cry and scream,” a third chimed in.
Families’ Petition Against Mayor Mamdani
It comes after several families who lost loved ones during the 9/11 terrorist attacks lobbied officials to bar Mayor Mamdani from attending the 25th annual remembrance event. He arrived at the ceremony anyway.
The petition was launched earlier this year and garnered about 110,000 signatures. The families cited the NYC mayor’s appointment of Ramzi Kassem as the city’s chief legal counsel as the reason for the request.
Kassem previously provided legal counsel to Ahmed al-Darbi, who served in a role for al-Qaeda. Al-Darbi later pleaded guilty to charges related to war crimes.
“For 9/11 families, this is not simply a public ceremony—it is a deeply personal day of mourning. The presence of individuals whose words or associations are perceived as conflicting with the solemn purpose of the event risks detracting from that focus and causing additional pain,” the petition reads.
Petition’s Call for Remembrance and Unity
“The 25th anniversary should remain centered on remembrance, unity, and an unambiguous rejection of the violence and extremism that defined that day. Ensuring that all participants reflect these principles is essential to preserving the integrity of the commemoration.”
Tensions heated up after Mamdani asked NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to hand Kassem a ceremonial pen used to sign 9/11-related executive orders, sending critics into a frenzy.
Mayor Mamdani’s Response
Nevertheless, Mamdani has stood his ground.
“I’m proud to be the mayor of this city. I love this city. I love this country. And what I want this week to be a focus on is on the families whose loved ones were stolen from them 25 years ago in the horrific act of terror of September 11, and a focus also on the first responders who gave everything they could to this city and to the people who came together to try and help their fellow New Yorkers,” Mamdani said in response to the criticisms.