AOC, Mamdani Draw 9/11 Backlash Over Apparent Laughter as 110,000 Sought Mayor's Absence
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 11
AOC, Mamdani Draw 9/11 Backlash Over Apparent Laughter as 110,000 Sought Mayor's Absence
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 11
Summary
Television footage from Ground Zero showed Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Mayor Zohran Mamdani appearing to grin and laugh during the reading of 9/11 victims' names, triggering a fresh wave of criticism.
Critics including Republican officials, conservative commentators and a New York City councilwoman called the moment disrespectful, especially after families had already objected to Mamdani's attendance at the memorial.
Michael Ragusa, described as a former Giuliani security aide, said the clip was taken out of context and showed Ocasio-Cortez greeting Mamdani hello, adding that other politicians from both parties were also joking nearby.
Mamdani was seen somber at other points in the ceremony, but the exchange intensified a controversy that had already engulfed his appearance after a petition with more than 110,000 signatures urged him to stay away.