New York gubernatorial candidate urges 9/11 attendees to turn away from Mamdani during ceremony

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for New York governor, has said that attendees at this year's 9/11 memorial ceremony should turn their backs on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani if he attends. Blakeman, whose nephew died in the South Tower, argued Mamdani's refusal to condemn the phrase "globalise the intifada" makes him unwelcome at the event marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The intervention adds to mounting pressure on Mamdani ahead of the ceremony, though he has said he intends to attend.

Blakeman, currently Nassau County executive, likened the situation to a wake, saying protest should remain "respectful and peaceful". His comments follow a Change.org petition from relatives of 9/11 victims urging the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to bar Mamdani, citing concerns over his rhetoric. The Memorial & Museum has said it keeps the commemoration "free of politics" and that officials of all stripes have historically attended without speaking. Former Governor George Pataki also suggested he might comment further, saying 9/11 "is different" from his usual inclusive instinct. Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.