As America approaches the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a growing controversy is unfolding in New York City over who should stand among those honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost. Despite mounting opposition from many victims’ relatives and first responders, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he will attend this year’s Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial. According to USA Today, Mamdani told reporters he intends to join survivors, victims’ families and first responders at the annual observance, calling Sept. 11 “a horrific terror attack” that forever changed the nation. USA Today reported that the petition has attracted thousands of signatures, including many from relatives of those killed in the attacks. Cheri Sparacio, whose husband, Thomas, was also killed on Sept. 11, echoed those concerns.