New York, USA
A controversy has erupted over New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani symbolically handing pens to his chief legal adviser, Ramzi Kassem, during an official event at City Hall held ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee and an accused al-Qaeda-linked figure. Some relatives of 9/11 victims and several local political leaders have strongly criticized the move.
The incident took place on September 4 in the Blue Room at City Hall, where Mamdani signed two executive orders, including one establishing September 11 as an annual Day of Remembrance and Service in New York City. The second order was aimed at strengthening arrangements related to the city’s emergency preparedness and continuity of government services. According to the mayor’s office, Kassem and his team played a role in drafting the orders.
At the end of the ceremony, Mamdani handed the pen he had used to sign the orders to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and asked her to pass it on to Kassem. Kassem was not present at the beginning of the event and arrived during its final portion. After receiving the pen, he left the event shortly afterward. A video of the incident and details surrounding it subsequently surfaced, intensifying the debate on social media and in political circles.
Critics argue that such a symbolic gesture was inappropriate and insensitive at an event dedicated to the victims of 9/11 and their families. Queens Republican City Council Member Joann Ariola described the move as deeply insensitive and disrespectful. Dennis Warchola, who lost his brother in the 9/11 attacks, also expressed anger over the decision.
A major source of controversy is Kassem’s previous legal work. He represented Ahmed al-Darbi, who pleaded guilty in connection with the 2002 bombing of the French oil tanker MV Limburg off the coast of Yemen. The attack was linked to an al-Qaeda plot. However, representing an accused person as a lawyer does not, by itself, mean that the attorney supports that person’s views or crimes. Kassem has also worked on cases involving civil rights and constitutional law.
Meanwhile, Mayor Mamdani has described the 25th anniversary of 9/11 as an opportunity to honor the victims, survivors, first responders, city employees and affected families. According to an official City Hall statement, the newly established Day of Remembrance and Service will include moments of silence, memorial events, educational activities and community service initiatives.
Mamdani has previously said that 9/11 was the darkest day in New York City’s history and that the occasion should remain focused on the victims and their families rather than politics. Against this backdrop, the incident involving the symbolic handover of the pen to Kassem has sparked a fresh political debate over the purpose of the ceremony and the mayor’s decision.
