One Pen Handoff Ignites A City Hall Backlash

At a 9/11 remembrance signing, New York City’s mayor handed the ceremonial pen to a lawyer who once represented an al-Qaeda terrorist, igniting outrage.

Story Highlights

Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave a 9/11 ceremonial pen to his chief counsel, Ramzi Kassem, who previously represented a convicted al-Qaeda operative.
City Hall says Kassem’s team drafted the executive orders and that staff often receive pens in such signings.
Kassem once represented Ahmed al-Darbi, who pleaded guilty to terrorism-related war crimes and had family ties to a 9/11 hijacker.
The moment has drawn sharp backlash from New Yorkers and 9/11 observers who saw the gesture as tone-deaf.

What Happened During the 9/11 Remembrance Signing

On September 5 in New York City Hall, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed two executive orders tied to the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. After signing, Mamdani handed the ceremonial pen to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and asked that it be passed to his chief counsel, Ramzi Kassem. Reporters and video recaps described the exchange as part of the brief ceremony. The move quickly set off criticism because of Kassem’s past defense work for an al-Qaeda-linked detainee.

City Hall later explained the handoff as standard practice. Officials said Kassem and his legal team drafted the two executive orders as part of his duties as chief counsel. A summary of the event echoed that description, noting that counsel commonly prepares orders, the mayor signs them, and staff receive ceremonial pens at such events. The orders focused on remembrance, service, and preparedness, according to those accounts citing the City Hall transcript.

Why Kassem’s Past Representation Triggered Backlash

Ramzi Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, a Guantanamo Bay detainee who pleaded guilty to terrorism-related war crimes. Reports identify al-Darbi as the brother-in-law of a hijacker from the plane that hit the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. That family link, paired with al-Darbi’s admitted role in a deadly attack at sea, made the pen handoff feel offensive to many observers during a 9/11 remembrance event. Their concern centered on symbolism, not courtroom rights.

Critics argued the mayor’s choice sent the wrong message to victims’ families and first responders. They saw it as honoring an aide known publicly for defending a figure tied to al-Qaeda during a solemn moment. Their case did not dispute a lawyer’s duty to represent clients in court. Instead, they said the optics at a memorial-themed event insulted those who suffered on 9/11 and those who still carry health and service burdens today.

The Administrative Defense and Its Limits

Supporters of the mayor’s explanation pointed to routine City Hall procedure. They said the legal office drafts executive orders, the mayor signs them, and ceremonial pens often go to staff who did the work. They added that the event’s purpose was remembrance and service, not politics. Kassem himself has said that every executive order in this administration has gone through his office, which backs the procedural claim for his presence.

NEW YORK | MAMDANI FACES BACKLASH OVER 9/11 CEREMONY PEN HANDOFF

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing renewed criticism after a ceremonial pen used to sign his 9/11 executive orders was handed to his chief counsel, Ramzi Kassem.

Mamdani signed an executive order… pic.twitter.com/gBxnel4obk

— CSB News USA (@csbnewsus) September 8, 2026

The administrative case explains why Kassem stood at the table. It does not erase the emotional impact of the gesture on that date and topic. Memorial moments demand extra care with symbols, especially in New York. Many Americans, especially those who prize strong defense, clear moral lines, and respect for the fallen, expect leaders to avoid even the appearance of honoring anyone linked to our enemies. On 9/11 themes, optics are not small; they are the message.

Balancing Rule of Law With Respect for 9/11 Families

America’s justice system guarantees legal counsel, even for the worst crimes. That is a core constitutional value, and it does not mean a lawyer endorses a client’s actions or beliefs. That legal truth stands. Yet elected leaders also carry a duty to choose symbols that unite the public and honor sacrifice. On the twenty-fifth anniversary of 9/11, many believe a different staffer should have received that pen to avoid avoidable pain and confusion.

What Comes Next for City Hall

The mayor’s office can close this wound with clear steps. First, acknowledge the pain this caused to victims’ families and first responders. Second, commit to stronger review of ceremonial protocols tied to 9/11 and national security. Third, elevate enforcement and preparedness actions that protect New Yorkers every day. Respect for the fallen and resolve against terror are not in conflict. Leaders should show both in word, deed, and yes, in symbols that matter.