New York gubernatorial candidate urges 9/11 attendees to turn away from Mamdani during ceremony
Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman called on participants in the upcoming September 11 memorial ceremony to demonstrate disapproval by turning their backs on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani should he attend the 25th anniversary observance. Blakeman compared the suggested gesture to customary behaviour at a funeral service.
The appeal reflects wider concerns from families bereaved in the 9/11 attacks, who have mobilised a petition opposing Mamdani's participation in the ceremony. Giovanni Galante, whose wife Grace died in the attacks, coordinated the effort citing the Mayor's statements and actions regarding the attacks, which families believe have diminished their significance.
- Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman urged attendees of the September 11 memorial ceremony to turn their backs on NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani if he attends the 25th anniversary event
- Families of 9/11 victims have petitioned against Mamdani's attendance, citing concerns about his public record and what they characterise as minimisation of the attacks
- The controversy centres on whether the Mayor should be permitted to participate in the September commemoration