New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are facing backlash from American citizens after they were caught on camera laughing and smiling during the 9/11 memorial last week. The moment was captured on the livestream of the event: as the victims names were being read, the camera panned to Mamdani and AOC who were seemingly sharing a joke while families around them wept. Keep reading for more information.
@livenowfoxMamdani and AOC face backlash after appearing to smile and laugh during the solemn reading of 9/11 victims’ names at Ground Zero. The TV feed cut from an emotional young man at the memorial to Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez appearing to share a lighthearted exchange. The moment comes amid criticism from some 9/11 victims’ families over Mamdani’s attendance.♬ original sound – LiveNOW from FOX
Mamdani & AOC Caught Laughing During 9/11 Memorial
The 25th anniversary service was held on Friday at Ground Zero, and was attended by all four living former presidents. Mamdani and AOC were also in attendance, though their presence perhaps brought more criticism than Donald Trump not attending at all.
While the names of the 3,000 deceased victims were read, Mamdani and AOC were captured on camera with smiles on their faces. In a snapshot of the livestream, AOC looks at Mamdani with a big grin on her face before they turn to face forward again, both smiling, despite the seriousness of the event.
Their behavior drew backlash from other political figures, including Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, who wrote on X, “How the hell do you laugh while the names of those murdered on 9/11 are being read aloud? Why would you do so?”
“After thousands of families of victims of terror beg Mamdani not to show up, he stands there and laughs while families weep. This is NYC’s Mayor,” Brooklyn Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov chimed in.
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Social Media Reactions
Across social media platforms, many users called out Mamdani and AOC for their disrespectful behavior, while others pointed out the hypocrisy of many critics, sharing clips of Republicans including JD Vance and Rudy Giuliani smiling and laughing as well. "Glad to know AOC and Mamdani think that 3,000 dead Americans is just HILARIOUS," one person posted on X. "What a disgusting video."
"Those two need to resign," another person wrote. "Disgraceful."
"I've never seen two people happier than Mamdani and AOC at Ground Zero," another user wrote. "So disrespectful."
"These ones, just a few steps away, were overjoyed," one person pointed out, posting a photo of Vice President Vance and former mayor Rudy Guiliani.
"Let's not forget Trump literally passed out during the memorial at the Pentagon," another agreed.
"At least they attended," a final user added. "So did all former presidents. Where's Trump?"
