Speaking at the 9/11 memorial ceremony, the son of one of the victims, in an impassioned plea, called on troublemakers to stop using the day to spread Islamophobia and hate. Yet, even as he shared his heartfelt message, a far-right rabblerouser was doing just that a few blocks away.
The solemn ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the terrorists attacks brought together people from a variety of religious backgrounds, including Michael Massaroli Jr., who used the occasion to spread a message about tolerance and acceptance.
“We have seen a medley of people come up today of all races, all religions, all creeds,” said Massaroli, one of dozens of people who read names of victims at the memorial ceremony Friday in Lower Manhattan. “And this tragedy is just that, it’s a tragedy.”
“I’ve had to grow up and spend the past 25 years seeing people use it to hate on our Muslim brothers and sisters, to hate on people who don’t look like them. And that’s wrong and that does no honor to the victims here,” he said, as the crowd applauded. “I want to use the little platform I have to ask for that to please stop.”
Michael Massaroli Jr. (right), the son of Michael Massaroli, who lost his life in the 9/11 attack, called on others not to use the tragedy as a reason to “spread hate.” (9/11 Memorial & Museum)
His father, Michael Massaroli Sr., 38, was the vice president of operations for the brokerage firm Cantor Fitzgerald, who died during the terrorist attack.
He was working on the 101st floor when a hijacked plane crashed into the North Tower.
“You do my dad’s legacy and the legacy of all these victims no honor by using this tragedy to spread hate,” the son said.
As Massaroli and other family members read names and listened to bells toll, far-right activist and anti-Muslim crusader Jake Lang led a “Crusader March” outside City Hall.
A crowd gathers in City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2026, as Jake Lang (center, holding crucifix) shouts anti-Muslim sentiments. (Rebecca White / New York Daily News)
Along with “Never forget!” and “Jesus is king!” Lang shouted, “Deport Mamdani! Deport the Muslims! Stop Islam!”
The demonstration resulted in an arrest, although it was not clear if the protester was a Lang backer or part of a counter-demonstration.
Lang spent four years in jail for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection before being pardoned by President Trump.