A 9/11 first responder’s wife delivered a scathing condemnation of progressive assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s ties to a Twitch streamer who previously declared “America deserved 9/11,” exposing how radical online influencers are infiltrating New York politics.
Story Highlights
- Wendi Tururici, wife of a terminally ill 9/11 responder, criticized Mamdani at a Ground Zero press conference.
- Mamdani appeared on Twitch streamer Hasan Piker’s channel; Piker had made a controversial 2019 comment that “America deserved 9/11.”
- Former Governor Andrew Cuomo organized the event and challenged Mamdani’s mayoral candidacy.
- Mamdani’s campaign accused Cuomo of exploiting grief and promoting Islamophobia.
Ground Zero Confrontation Targets Progressive Candidate
On September 9, 2025, days before the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo held a press conference near Ground Zero to criticize Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who is running for New York City mayor.
At the event, Wendi Tururici, wife of 9/11 first responder Sal Tururici, spoke publicly against Mamdani’s past appearance on Twitch with streamer Hasan Piker. Piker has faced ongoing criticism since 2019, when he stated during a livestream that “America deserved 9/11” — a remark that drew bipartisan condemnation at the time.
Cuomo displayed images of Mamdani and Piker together and called on Mamdani to disavow Piker’s earlier comments. He also challenged Mamdani to participate in five mayoral debates across the city’s boroughs.
9/11 responder's wife blasts Mamdani's link to Twitch streamer who said 'America deserved' 9/11 attackshttps://t.co/wCfqedqAM6 pic.twitter.com/jpnZRvYC00
— Max 📟 (@MaxNordau) September 11, 2025
Radical Streamer’s Comment Resurfaces in Campaign
Hasan Piker, a Turkish-American political commentator and streamer, first made headlines in 2019 when his “America deserved 9/11” remark was circulated widely online. According to reporting from The Hill and Fox News at the time, the comment was criticized as dismissive of the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the attacks.
The controversy resurfaced this month as Mamdani’s opponents raised questions about his decision to appear on Piker’s platform. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) had previously cited Piker’s rhetoric in correspondence with Twitch executives, urging them to address extremist or antisemitic content.For critics, Mamdani’s association with Piker raises questions of political judgment and sensitivity toward 9/11 victims and families.
Progressive Response and Accusations of Opportunism
Mamdani’s campaign dismissed Cuomo’s press conference as a political stunt, accusing the former governor of exploiting grief for electoral purposes and inflaming Islamophobic sentiment. In a statement reported by local outlets, Mamdani’s team argued that the focus on his appearance with Piker was a distraction from policy issues relevant to New York voters.Supporters of Mamdani framed the criticism as part of a broader effort to marginalize progressive candidates through guilt by association.
Broader Implications for Politics and Online Influence
The dispute illustrates how online media figures can shape local political debates, particularly when past controversial remarks are revived in campaign contexts. Political strategists note that candidates’ media appearances and digital associations are increasingly scrutinized, with potential to become decisive factors in elections.
As the New York City mayoral race continues, Mamdani’s handling of the controversy—and whether he addresses Piker’s past remarks directly—may influence both voter perceptions and the tone of debates heading into the election.
Sources:
9/11 responder’s wife blasts Mamdani’s link to Twitch streamer who said ‘America deserved’ attacks
Andrew Cuomo challenges Zohran Mamdani participate five mayoral debates one each borough
