Zeshan Hamdani, whose older brother Salman, a Muslim New York police cadet, died in the North Tower on 11 September 2001, expressed disappointment at calls for Mayor Zohran Mamdani to stay away from this year’s 25th anniversary commemorations.
Context of the anniversary
The 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks has become embroiled in divisive politics. There are controversial calls for the city’s first Muslim Mayor to sit out the commemorative event, including from Rudy Giuliani who was New York’s mayor on the morning of 9/11. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he will attend and his focus will be on the families who lost loved ones.
Family reaction
Zeshan Hamdani lost his older brother Salman, a Muslim American New York police cadet, in the North Tower. He spoke to the BBC's Nada Tawfik over his thoughts on this anniversary and expressed disappointment at the suggestion that Mamdani should absent himself from the event. The calls have turned the anniversary into a point of political division. Mamdani has stated his intention to be present and to centre the day on bereaved families rather than on political debate. Salman Hamdani was among those killed when the North Tower collapsed. His brother Zeshan spoke about the personal impact of the anniversary and the current controversy surrounding attendance. The reaction highlights how the anniversary has drawn in figures connected to the original events and to current city leadership. Zeshan Hamdani’s comments centre on preserving the focus on victims and families amid the political pressure directed at the mayor’s participation.
Key points from the source
Every element reported traces directly to statements about attendance, the identity of the cadet and his brother, and the involvement of former mayor Giuliani. No further details on exact quotes or additional reactions are provided. The source confirms the family connection, the location of the loss in the North Tower, and the mayor’s planned attendance centred on the bereaved.
Frequently asked questions
Who lost his brother in the North Tower?
Zeshan Hamdani lost his older brother Salman, a Muslim American New York police cadet.
Who called for the mayor to sit out the event?
Rudy Giuliani, who was New York’s mayor on the morning of 9/11, is among those making the calls.
Key takeaways
Zeshan Hamdani voiced disappointment over calls targeting Mayor Mamdani’s attendance.
Salman Hamdani, a Muslim NYPD cadet, died in the North Tower on 9/11.
Mamdani intends to attend and focus on families who lost loved ones.
The 25th anniversary has become entangled in political controversy.