Mayor Criticized for 9/11 Pen to Aide with Al-Qaeda Ties

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after a ceremonial pen used to sign executive orders marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks was given to his chief counsel, a lawyer who previously represented an al-Qaeda operative. The incident occurred during a ceremony at City Hall on Friday, September 4, 2026, just days before the anniversary of the 2001 attacks. Mamdani signed two executive orders during the event. The first established September 11 as an official citywide Day of Remembrance and Service, which will include moments of silence, memorial ceremonies, and community service opportunities. The second order updated the city's emergency preparedness and continuity plans, creating a new senior team to coordinate government operations during crises. After signing the documents, Mamdani handed the ceremonial pen to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and quietly asked her to pass it to his chief counsel, Ramzi Kassem, who had arrived late to the ceremony. Video of the event shows Kassem accepting the pen. Kassem is a CUNY School of Law professor and founder of its CLEAR clinic, which has represented Guantanamo detainees.