MIAMI (VINnews) -Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking aim at Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his decision to give a symbolic 9/11 pen to a top aide who previously represented an al-Qaeda-linked detainee.
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“Was this ‘tone deaf’ or intentional?” DeSantis wrote Tuesday, in a pointed post questioning the mayor’s decision.
Mamdani gave the ceremonial pen to chief counsel Ramzi Kassem during a 9/11 commemoration. Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, an al-Qaeda operative whose sister was married to 9/11 hijacker Khalid al-Mihdhar.
The gesture has sparked outrage among critics and 9/11 families, who questioned the appropriateness of honoring the anniversary of the attacks in such a setting.
DeSantis’ blunt question adds to the backlash surrounding Mamdani’s handling of the 9/11 commemoration.
Was this “tone deaf” or intentional? https://t.co/4XlujOEqNA
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) September 8, 2026