New York Remembers 9/11's 25th Anniversary Amid Controversy and Change
By Editor • September 11, 2026 • 1 min read
On Friday, New York City observed the somber 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a day marked by both remembrance and controversy. President Donald Trump chose to attend a separate ceremony at the Pentagon, while notable figures, including Vice President JD Vance and four former presidents, gathered at Ground Zero for a poignant commemoration.
At the heart of the day's events was the presence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, who faced backlash from right-wing factions and a petition with over 100,000 signatures urging him to abstain from the memorial. Critics have accused Mamdani of ties to individuals who allegedly undermine American values. Yet, amidst the discord, support for the mayor emerged, particularly from City Council member Shahana Hanif, who pointed out the unfair treatment directed at him due to his faith.
As family members of the victims gathered to read the names of their loved ones lost on that fateful day, the ceremony was devoid of speeches. Instead, the focus was on remembrance, with the ringing of a bell at significant moments during the attacks. Mamdani, praised for his transparency regarding post-9/11 air quality issues, reflected on the suffering that followed the attacks, stating, "People got sick because the leaders they trusted lied and told them they were safe to breathe in toxic air."
Source: www.france24.com
