NYC Mayor Mamdani faces backlash over 9/11 pen gift to ex-al Qaeda defense lawyer

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave a symbolic 9/11 commemorative pen to aide Ramzi Kassem, who previously defended a convicted al Qaeda member. The gesture has triggered political backlash, though it remains unclear if it reflects a policy shift or a ceremonial misstep. The controversy could affect Mamdani's political standing in New York.