Giuliani Extends Olive Branch to Controversial Muslim Mayor at 9/11 Ceremony
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Rudy Giuliani described his handshake with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York's first Muslim mayor, at the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, after previously warning about Mamdani's radical associations.
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani 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 said he believed he offered his hand first, though he admitted Mamdani may have initiated the greeting. After the handshake, Giuliani said, “I pray for you,” to which Mamdani replied, “thank you,” before they each moved on.
Giuliani noted that both men understood their encounter could distract from the solemn purpose of the ceremony, and that either could have responded with hostility, which would have shifted focus away from the victims. He commended Mamdani for accepting the handshake, despite their differences.
Earlier in the week, Giuliani had publicly opposed Mamdani’s participation, pointing out that the mayor wanted his religion to dominate the city and describing Muslims as “murderers.” Other Republican leaders also urged the mayor to skip the event, citing his past association with a far-left commentator who had made inflammatory remarks about 9/11.
Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist elected last year, insisted on attending, claiming he would honor the families, survivors, and first responders of the attacks. He previously released internal records about air-quality concerns at Ground Zero, accusing officials of misleading the public about safety.
The mayor’s office has not responded to requests for comment.