Retired Port Authority Officers Urge NYC Mayor and Governor to Stay Away from 9/11 Commemoration

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul have been called upon by retired Port Authority police officers to steer clear of the 25th anniversary commemorations at Ground Zero on September 11. The retired officers argue that their presence would cause "deep pain" to the families of victims, survivors, and first responders.

John McDevitt, president of the Port Authority Retired Police Association, penned a letter to both officials, emphasizing that September 11 is a day of solemn remembrance rather than a political event. "For us, September 11 is not a political occasion, a photo opportunity, or a platform for public officials," McDevitt wrote. "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."

The retired officers cited the World Trade Center as "our home," noting that 37 Port Authority police officers and 47 other members of the Port Authority family were killed in the 2001 attacks. McDevitt expressed concern over Mamdani's public statements, political associations, and positions, which he believes are inconsistent with the sacrifices made by victims and law enforcement officers.

"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."

In a separate letter to Governor Hochul, the association took issue with her decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month, calling the choice "insensitive, tone-deaf, and an affront" to those who served at the World Trade Center, victims' families, survivors, and first responders.

The retired officers suggested that Mamdani and Hochul could instead recognize the anniversary through a written statement, public message, or a separate event. "This is our day to remember," McDevitt wrote. "Please allow us to remember in peace."

Governor Hochul's office responded to the demand, stating that she 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." A spokesperson for Hochul added that Muslim New Yorkers "served as first responders and helped unite the city in the aftermath of the attacks."

The controversy surrounding Mamdani and Hochul's attendance at the 9/11 commemorations has reignited debates about the role of politics in the remembrance of tragic events. Critics argue that the presence of political figures at such solemn occasions can detract from the true purpose of the ceremonies, which is to honor the victims and their families.

As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, the nation prepares to reflect on the lives lost and the resilience of the American people. The call by retired Port Authority officers for Mamdani and Hochul to stay away from Ground Zero has sparked a broader conversation about the appropriate role of politics in the public remembrance of national tragedies.

The retired officers' stance is rooted in the belief that the World Trade Center was a sacred site for those who lost their lives and their families. They argue that the site should not be used as a platform for political grandstanding or as a backdrop for political photo opportunities.

The ongoing debate over the appropriateness of political figures at the 9/11 commemorations underscores the complex nature of public remembrance and the challenges of balancing the need to honor the past with the demands of the present.

As the nation prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, it is clear that the wounds of that day still run deep. The call by retired Port Authority officers for Mamdani and Hochul to stay away from Ground Zero is a poignant reminder of the importance of respecting the solemnity of the occasion and the memories of those who were lost.