Elon Musk described the exchange as troubling, while Senator Ted Cruz questioned why the two appeared to be amused.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Online outrage has erupted following the circulation of viral videos from the 25th-anniversary 9/11 memorial ceremony at Ground Zero, which appear to show New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez smiling and laughing.
Numerous social media users claimed the politicians were sharing a lighthearted moment while the names of the terror attack victims were being read aloud. Here is a closer look at the facts behind the accusation.
Claim: Zohran Mamdani and AOC caught laughing at the 9/11 memorial service
Mamdani and AOC are spotted laughing with each other as people cry while the names of those who died are read during the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. pic.twitter.com/Ib5lm57fmV
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 11, 2026
The controversy began when a post on X featured footage from the 25th-anniversary event, capturing Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez briefly interacting and smiling during the solemn reading of victims’ names.
Placed alongside footage of grieving families gathered at the memorial pools, the short video quickly drew fierce online criticism, with critics condemning the pair for perceived disrespect.
Prominent figures also weighed in on the footage. Elon Musk labeled the interaction concerning, and Senator Ted Cruz publicly questioned the motives behind their apparent amusement.
How the hell do you laugh while the names of those murdered on 9/11 are being read aloud? Why would you do so?
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 11, 2026
“How the hell do you laugh while the names of those murdered on 9/11 are being read aloud? Why would you do so?” Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz posted on X.
Former talk show host Meghan McCain similarly expressed disbelief, writing, “Why the f–k are these two laughing?!?”
Brooklyn Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov also criticized the mayor, stating, “After thousands of families of victims of terror beg Mamdani not to show up, he stands there and laughs while families weep. This is NYC’s Mayor.”
After thousands of families of victims of terror beg Mamdani not to show up, he stands there and laughs while families weep. This is NYC’s Mayor. https://t.co/DF1iolaZ2P
— Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) September 11, 2026
Fact Check: The accusation is misleading
While the video itself is authentic and shows the politicians smiling, the narrative surrounding it is misleading.
The footage does not substantiate claims that Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez were mocking the memorial or laughing at the victims.
An eyewitness who stood nearby stepped forward to counter the rumors, explaining that the camera simply captured Ocasio-Cortez saying hello to Mamdani. Furthermore, analysts pointed out that the silent clip provides no audio context regarding their conversation.
And for the record I am a life long republican who has been very critical of these two. I’m just sick of this fake news and people just saying whatever they want.
— Michael Ragusa (@themikeragu) September 11, 2026
Michael Ragusa, a close associate of former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, provided firsthand clarification on the matter. He wrote on X, “The videos of @NYCMayor and @AOC laughing are not true. I was standing next to them the whole time. The camera just caught her greeting him hello. Multiple other politicians were laughing and joking behind me. Republicans and Democrats.”
Ragusa added, “And for the record, I am a lifelong Republican who has been very critical of these two. I’m just sick of this fake news and people just saying whatever they want.”