New York Retired Police Officers Urge Mayors Mamdani and Hochul to Stay Away from 9/11 Ground Zero Ceremony

New York City – In a significant development, retired Port Authority police officers have called on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul to refrain from attending the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at Ground Zero. The officers argue that their presence could cause "deep pain" to victims' families, survivors, and first responders.

The call came in separate letters dated August 14, 2026, from John McDevitt, the president of the Port Authority Retired Police Association. McDevitt, in his letter to Mamdani, emphasized that September 11th is not a political occasion but a solemn day of remembrance for those killed, those who responded, those who survived, and their families.

"The World Trade Center was our home," McDevitt wrote, noting that 37 Port Authority police officers and 47 other members of the Port Authority family were killed in the 2001 attacks. He added that the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice should not become the center of political controversy.

In a parallel letter to Hochul, McDevitt expressed concern about her decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month. While he did not object to the proclamation itself, he criticized the choice of Ground Zero as the location for the observance, calling it "insensitive, tone-deaf, and an affront" to those who served there and their families.

McDevitt suggested that Mamdani could recognize the anniversary through a written statement or a separate event, allowing those affected by the attacks to remember in peace. Similarly, he stated that Hochul's decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month showed a lack of respect for the significance of the site.

Governor Hochul's office responded to the demand, maintaining that she has enormous respect for all the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 and would "proudly stand alongside them at this year's commemoration." Her spokesperson added that Muslim New Yorkers served as first responders and helped unite the city in the aftermath of the attacks.

The retired officers' call to action has sparked a broader debate about the role of political figures at 9/11 commemorations. Some have come out in support of the retired officers, arguing that the ceremony should be strictly a remembrance of those who were killed and those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Others believe that political figures should be present to show support and solidarity.

The ongoing controversy has once again highlighted the complexities surrounding the 9/11 anniversary. As New York prepares to honor the memory of those who were lost and those who survived the attacks, the conversation about how to remember and respect those who perished remains at the forefront.

As the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history, the question of who should attend and how to honor those who were lost remains a sensitive and complex issue. The call from retired Port Authority officers adds another layer to this debate, emphasizing the need for a moment of reflection and respect.