US News
Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces criticism over ceremonial 9/11 signing pen gift
Fox News reports that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave a ceremonial signing pen to chief counsel Ramzi Kassem.
The short version
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced public criticism after presenting a ceremonial signing pen to chief counsel Ramzi Kassem, according to Fox News.[Fox News]
- The pen was used to sign executive orders establishing a day of remembrance and service ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.[Fox News]
- Kassem previously worked as a defense attorney for Ahmed al-Darbi, who pleaded guilty to war-crime charges linked to al Qaeda plots.[Fox News]
- City Hall defended the move, stating Kassem attended because his legal team drafted the executive orders.[Fox News]
Key facts
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani handed a ceremonial pen to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to give to chief counsel Ramzi Kassem.[Fox News]
- The pen was used to sign executive orders creating a day of remembrance and service ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.[Fox News]
- Ramzi Kassem formerly served as legal defense for Ahmed al-Darbi, who pleaded guilty to war crimes linked to al Qaeda plots.[Fox News]
- City Hall stated that Kassem attended the event because he and his legal team drafted the executive orders.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.