Laura Loomer Warns JD Vance: ‘Regret’ Shaking Hands With Zohran Mamdani at 9/11 Ceremony

Right-wing figure Laura Loomer urges JD Vance not to shake Zohran Mamdani's hand at 9/11 event, sparking controversy.

September 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — A right-wing commentator has urged Vice President JD Vance to avoid shaking hands with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at an upcoming 9/11 memorial event, warning that it could be a moment he deeply regrets.

Laura Loomer, known for her provocative social media presence and ties to former President Donald Trump, took to X to express her concerns. She called on Vance to refuse the handshake, labeling Mamdani as a “jihadist” and suggesting that such an image would be one he would wish to erase from his record.

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Vance is set to attend the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York City, where Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, will also be present. The mayor, a democratic socialist, has faced criticism from some Republicans who question his presence at the event, including former mayors Rudy Giuliani and George Pataki, who have raised concerns about his affiliations and policies.

Mamdani, who has condemned the 9/11 attacks as “horrific,” has confirmed his attendance at the ceremony, vowing to stand with victims and first responders. He has also released thousands of documents revealing past failures in addressing health risks at Ground Zero. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has opted not to attend the event, instead choosing to commemorate the day at the Pentagon.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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