Retired Officers Urge Officials to Skip 9/11 Ground Zero Ceremony

A group of retired Port Authority police officers has formally requested that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul refrain from attending the upcoming 25th anniversary commemoration at Ground Zero. The officers contend that the presence of these officials would cause significant distress to victims’ families, survivors, and first responders, turning a solemn remembrance into a political spectacle.

A Plea for Solemn Remembrance

In separate letters dated August 14th, John McDevitt, president of the Port Authority Retired Police Association, appealed to both Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul, urging them not to participate in the September 11th ceremony. McDevitt emphasized that for those directly impacted by the attacks, September 11th is not an occasion for political posturing or photo opportunities. Instead, he stated, it is a deeply solemn day dedicated to remembering the lives lost, honoring the courage of those who responded, acknowledging the resilience of survivors, and comforting the families who have endured profound loss for a quarter-century.

The association highlighted the deep personal connection they have to the World Trade Center site, referring to it as “our home.” They recounted the devastating loss experienced by their own ranks, with 37 Port Authority police officers and 47 other Port Authority employees perishing in the terrorist attacks of 2001. “Thirty-seven of our brothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice,” McDevitt wrote, adding that their memorial should not become a stage for political contention.

Concerns Over Public Statements and Associations

The retired officers expressed “profound concerns” regarding Mayor Mamdani’s public statements, political affiliations, and policy stances. They believe these elements are fundamentally at odds with the sacrifices made by the victims and the principles embodied by law enforcement officers who served that day. The letter to Mamdani stated, “We believe your presence at Ground Zero on this 25th anniversary would cause deep pain to many members of the 9/11 community.” Furthermore, they warned that his attendance risked diverting attention from the individuals whose lives, bravery, and sacrifices the ceremony is meant to honor.

McDevitt suggested alternative ways for Mayor Mamdani to acknowledge the anniversary, such as issuing a written statement, delivering a public message, or participating in a separate event. “This is our day to remember,” he concluded in his letter to the mayor. “Please allow us to remember in peace.”

Criticism of Governor Hochul’s Actions

The association’s letter to Governor Hochul adopted a similarly critical tone, specifically addressing her administration’s decision to illuminate the One World Trade Center in recognition of Muslim American Heritage Month. While the retired officers stated they did not object to the proclamation itself, they took issue with the use of the World Trade Center site, a location deeply intertwined with the memory of the 9/11 attacks, for such an observance. They characterized the decision as politically motivated “pandering” that demonstrated a lack of respect for the sacred nature of the site.

The association deemed the decision “insensitive, tone-deaf, and an affront” to everyone connected to the World Trade Center, including victims’ families, survivors, and the first responders who served there. “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 Governor Hochul.

Official Responses and Public Sentiment

In response, Governor Hochul’s office issued a statement asserting that the governor holds “enormous respect for all the families who lost loved ones on 9/11” and intends to “proudly stand alongside them at this year’s commemoration.” A spokesperson for the governor also noted that Muslim New Yorkers contributed significantly as first responders and played a role in unifying the city post-9/11. The statement emphasized that respecting the victims’ families and combating Islamophobia are not mutually exclusive goals.

Mayor Mamdani has previously indicated his intention to attend the commemoration, stating he plans to “proudly honor” the families, survivors, and first responders affected by the attacks. The retired officers’ call for their exclusion comes amidst growing public sentiment, with a petition urging organizers to bar Mamdani from the ceremony garnering over 95,000 signatures. This petition was initiated by Giovanni Galante, whose wife, Grace Catherine Galante, was killed on September 11, 2001. Galante expressed a desire to protect his loved ones by preventing individuals who oppose their way of life from attending the ceremony.

Michael LaRosa, a former spokesman for Jill Biden and special assistant to former President Joe Biden, has also signed the petition, warning that Mamdani’s presence could become a divisive “lightning rod,” detracting from the ceremony’s intended focus on victims and their families.

Ceremony Protocols

A spokesperson for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum previously clarified that the annual commemoration is intentionally kept apolitical. Government officials who attend typically do not deliver speeches and are asked to remain in a designated area, ensuring the focus remains on remembrance.

The debate highlights the enduring sensitivities surrounding the 9/11 anniversary and the desire of many connected to the tragedy to preserve the sanctity of the memorial events from political intrusion.