New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has found himself in a tough situation. As 9/11 draws nearer, a petition asking NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani not to attend the city’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony has reportedly drawn thousands of signatures, per CBS.

Giovanni Galante, who started the petition with another 9/11 widow, said that “we felt that having Mamdani there would show a disrespect to our family members because of the people he supports.”

Mamdani responded to the petition in a public address on Monday.

“I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them at this year’s 9/11 commemoration,” Mamdani said.

Mamdani on people who don’t want him at 9/11 memorial services: “I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them … reaffirming that we will never forget.” pic.twitter.com/fXgZosH2rW

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 27, 2026

“Reaffirming that we will never forget the solemn day felt by all of us who call this city home and, frankly, by all us who called this country home.”

It didn’t take long for one of Mamdani’s staunchest critics, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, to weigh in on the situation.

“Hmm I wonder why the families of 9/11 don’t want Mandami at the 25th anniversary memorial ceremony. Could it be for any of the following reasons?” Portnoy posted on X before listing several reasons families may not want Mamdani around, including his political endorsements, his calls to defund the police, and his refusal to condemn the phrase to condemn the phrase “Globalize the Intifada.”

Portnoy finished his post by writing that all of what he said is only a Google search away.

“All the above is readily accessible with a quick google search. He hasnt hid who he is.”

Hmm I wonder why the families of 9/11 don’t want Mandami at the 25th anniversary memorial ceremony. Could it be for any of the following reasons?

He campaigned with Hassan Piker who said US deserved 9/11

He endorsed Claire Valdez who also said America deserved 9/11

He… https://t.co/EH1vQMysWb

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) July 28, 2026

The start to Mamdani’s term in office has been well received by millions of working-class people in New York City. However, he’ll have to do more if he has any hope of winning over his detractors.