Protesters rally outside City Hall over Mayor Mamdani's attendance at 9/11 Memorial
Police initially reported that approximately 60 people were expected to attend the planned protest. However, videos posted on social media and Citizen appeared to show crowds growing throughout the day.
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Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside City Hall on Friday to protest Mayor Zohran Mamdani's attendance at New York City's annual 9/11 memorial ceremony at ground zero.
Police initially reported that approximately 60 people were expected to attend the planned protest. However, videos posted on social media and Citizen appeared to show crowds growing throughout the day.
Among those present was Jake Lang, a far-right influencer and pardoned Jan. 6 rioter. Hours before the protest began, Lang promoted the demonstration on social media, posting a message calling on supporters to "stop Muslim takeover of NYC" ahead of the 25th anniversary observances of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Police confirmed that at least one person was taken into custody during the demonstration. As of Friday evening, no charges had been announced. Counter-protesters were also present.
The protest follows days of controversy surrounding Mamdani's planned attendance at the annual memorial ceremony.
A petition created by a 9/11 widower urging the mayor not to attend the event accumulated more than 100,000 signatures, including nearly 3,000 signatures added on Friday alone.
According to the petition, organizers oppose Mamdani's attendance because of what they describe as his "public positions, associations, and responses to rhetoric" that they believe conflict with their values.
The petition outlines several concerns, including Mamdani's response to phrases such as "globalize the intifada," his associations with individuals critics describe as insufficiently critical of extremist ideologies and his appointment of Ramzi Kassem as New York City's chief legal counsel.
The petition also references Mamdani's political endorsements and statements made by individuals with whom he has been associated.
Earlier this week, Mamdani said he intended to attend the memorial ceremony despite the criticism.
"My focus will be on attending events that memorialize incredible courage, and I will be there on Friday at the memorial just as I was last year," the mayor said.
Mamdani attended Friday's ceremony as planned.
New York City mayors have traditionally attended the annual Sept. 11 memorial service. Every sitting mayor since the 2001 terrorist attacks has participated in the ceremony honoring the victims and first responders.
