Giuliani Attempts to Undermine New York's First Muslim Mayor at 9/11 Ceremony
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Rudy Giuliani, notorious for his Islamophobic rhetoric, recounted a handshake with Mayor Zohran Mamdani during the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, after previously attacking the mayor's right to attend.
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has a long record of stoking anti-Muslim sentiment, told his former chief of staff that he shook hands with Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the 25th-anniversary ceremony for the September 11 attacks in Manhattan. Giuliani claimed he offered his hand first, but even he admitted Mamdani may have initiated the greeting. After the handshake, Giuliani said, “I pray for you,” a patronizing remark, to which Mamdani graciously replied, “thank you,” before both moved on.
Giuliani acknowledged that both men were likely aware their encounter could become a distraction, and noted that either could have responded with hostility, which would have shifted focus away from the victims. Despite his earlier bigotry, Giuliani praised Mamdani for shaking his hand, as if basic civility were extraordinary.
Earlier in the week, Giuliani had shamelessly opposed Mamdani’s participation, outrageously claiming the mayor wanted his religion to dominate the city and labeling Muslims as “murderers.” Other Republican figures joined the chorus, pressuring the mayor to skip the event, citing his supposed association with a far-left commentator who had made controversial remarks about 9/11.
Mamdani, a proud democratic socialist elected last year, stood firm and confirmed his attendance, stating he would honor the families, survivors, and first responders of the attacks. He previously released internal records exposing how officials misled the public about air-quality dangers at Ground Zero, showing his commitment to transparency and justice.
The mayor’s office has not responded to requests for comment.