'Don't show your face': 9/11 victims' families demand Mamdani skip World Trade Center ceremony

Families of 9/11 victims hand-delivered a petition with over 100,000 signatures to New York City Hall, demanding Mayor Zohran Mamdani skip the 25th-anniversary commemoration at the World Trade Center site. The petition, launched by 9/11 widower Giovanni Galante, cites concerns over the mayor's policies and associations. Mamdani has stated he will attend the ceremony.

Families of 9/11 victims hand-delivered a petition with over 100,000 signatures to New York City Hall on Tuesday, demanding that Mayor Zohran Mamdani stay away from the upcoming 25th-anniversary commemoration at the World Trade Center site. The petition was launched on change.org on July 9 by 9/11 widower Giovanni Galante, whose wife Grace was killed in the attacks. Galante said the purpose is to be left alone to mourn without a "circus." Monica Iken, whose husband Michael was killed, said the mayor should respect the families' wishes. Cheri Sparacio emphasized the petition is about the mayor's policies, not his religion or origin. City Council Members Joanne Areola and Vicky Paladino also spoke, with Paladino demanding the mayor not show his face at "sacred ground." Mayor Mamdani told ABC News on Monday he intends to attend the memorial on Friday, saying his focus is on the families and first responders.