Retired Port Authority Officers Request Mamdani and Hochul Not Attend 9/11 Commemoration

<p>Retired Port Authority police officers have requested that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul refrain from attending the 25th anniversary commemoration of 9/11 at Ground Zero, arguing that their presence would cause "deep pain" to victims’ families, survivors, and first responders.</p><p>In letters dated August 14, John McDevitt, president of the Port Authority Retired Police Association, urged both officials not to participate in the September 11 ceremony, which marks the deadliest terror attack in U.S. history.</p><p>"For us, September 11 is not a political occasion, a photo opportunity, or a platform for public officials," McDevitt wrote to Mamdani. "It is a solemn day of remembrance for those who were murdered, those who responded, those who survived, and the families who have carried these losses for twenty-five years."</p><p>The group emphasized that the World Trade Center was "our home," noting that 37 Port Authority police officers and 47 other members of the Port Authority family were killed in the 2001 attacks.</p><p>"Thirty-seven of our brothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice," McDevitt wrote. "Their memorial should not become the center of political controversy."</p><p>The letter expressed "profound concerns" regarding Mamdani’s public statements, political associations, and positions, which the officers believe are inconsistent with the sacrifices made by victims and law enforcement officers.</p><p>"We believe your presence at Ground Zero on this 25th anniversary would cause deep pain to many members of the 9/11 community," McDevitt wrote. "It also risks shifting attention away from the people whose lives, courage, and sacrifice the ceremony exists to honor."</p><p>McDevitt suggested that Mamdani could acknowledge the anniversary through a written statement or a separate event instead of attending the ceremony.</p><p>The association expressed similar sentiments in their letter to Hochul, criticizing her decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month.</p><p>While they did not object to the proclamation itself, they took issue with the use of the World Trade Center and Ground Zero for the observance. "We believe that political pandering played a role in a decision that showed such disregard for the significance of this sacred site," McDevitt wrote.</p><p>The association characterized the decision as "insensitive, tone-deaf, and an affront" to those who served at the World Trade Center, as well as to victims’ families, survivors, and first responders.</p><p>"Because of that decision, we believe that you have forfeited your right to stand alongside us at Ground Zero on the 25th anniversary," McDevitt wrote to Hochul.</p><p>In response, Hochul’s office stated that the governor "has enormous respect for all the families who lost loved ones on 9/11" and will "proudly stand alongside them at this year’s commemoration." The spokesperson added that Muslim New Yorkers "served as first responders and helped unite the city in the aftermath of 9/11," emphasizing that "Islamophobia has no place in New York."</p><p>Mamdani has indicated his intention to attend the commemoration and "proudly honor" the families, survivors, and first responders affected by the terror attack.</p><p>The retired officers’ request coincides with a petition seeking to bar Mamdani from the ceremony, which has garnered over 95,000 signatures. The petition was initiated in July by Giovanni Galante, whose wife, Grace Catherine Galante, was killed in the September 11 attacks.</p><p>Galante stated on the petition page, "Speaking as the husband of Grace Catherine Galante, we are taking measures to shield our loved ones by barring anyone who opposes our way of life from the ceremony."</p><p>Michael LaRosa, a former spokesman for Jill Biden and special assistant to former President Joe Biden, also signed the petition, warning that Mamdani’s presence would distract from the focus on victims and their families.</p><p>The National September 11 Memorial & Museum has previously stated that the annual commemoration remains free of politics, with government officials attending without delivering remarks and remaining in designated areas.</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to Mamdani's office for comment.</p>