The rumor emerged following a push by 9/11 victim advocacy groups attempting to exclude Mamdani from the upcoming memorial
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: With the 25th anniversary of the September 11 World Trade Center attacks approaching, social media channels are spreading an unverified rumor. The posts allege that a Manhattan court issued an injunction barring Rama Duwaji from attending the annual 9/11 memorial events. Given the traction of the post, a verification check was conducted to determine its accuracy.
Claim: Court Mandates Rama Duwaji to Avoid 9/11 Events
🚨MANHATTAN COURT JUST ORDERED MARA JUWANI TO STAY CLEAR OF THE 9/11 CERCERONIES — SHE PLANNED A “FREE PALESTINE” PROTEST AT GROUND ZERO!
Follow: https://t.co/szdoWID7E2
New York’s First Lady just got shut down hard.
Manhattan Superior Court has ordered Mara Juwani to stay… pic.twitter.com/jhNQJvCGyM
— John McAfee 🇺🇸 News (@mcafeenew) August 19, 2026
According to the viral social media post, the Manhattan Superior Court purportedly instructed the city’s First Lady to stay away from the 9/11 commemorations after her staff supposedly announced intentions to organize a pro-Palestine demonstration at Ground Zero.
The rumor further suggests the legal filing originated from a petition by the 9/11 Memorial Foundation alongside New York City Councilman Joseph Barron, who allegedly labeled the supposed demonstration as offensive to local residents.
Additionally, the viral message claims that Duwaji’s office intended to proceed with the demonstration nearby, anticipating a large counter-demonstration.
The post has already accumulated nearly 100,000 views, with multiple replies indicating that users accepted the narrative as factual.
Fact Check: Zero Credibility Behind the Allegations
Investigation reveals no proof that any judicial body restricted Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s spouse from attending the memorial events, nor are there legitimate reports of the First Lady organizing any such protest at the site. Consequently, the rumor is classified as entirely false.
While families affected by the tragedy have indeed petitioned to keep Mayor Mamdani away from the official observance, no comparable petitions target his wife’s attendance.
Furthermore, records show no official legal entity operating under the name “Manhattan Superior Court,” nor is there any active New York City council member named Joseph Barron.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani Confirms Attendance Amid Criticism
The misinformation gained traction after groups representing 9/11 victims formally requested that Mamdani be excluded from the upcoming quarter-century remembrance.
When questioned by a reporter regarding the mounting public opposition, Mamdani addressed the pushback directly.
“I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders, forever impacted by that horrific attack by standing alongside them at this year’s 9/11 commemoration, reaffirming that we will never forget the solemn day felt by all of us who call this city home and, frankly, by all of us who call this country home,” Mamdani stated, confirming his intention to participate.