A firefighter in uniform confronted a pro-Palestinian protester dressed as Elmo just blocks from Ground Zero on the 25th anniversary of September 11.
The protester stood near the National September 11 Memorial and Museum wearing a red Elmo costume and holding a Palestinian flag, while official ceremonies honoring the 2001 attack victims were taking place nearby. Families and public officials had gathered at the memorial to read the names of those killed that day.
The firefighter launched a profanity-heavy rebuke at the costumed demonstrator, telling him to return to Palestine and declaring, “We don’t want you here.” He then extended his remarks to several prominent Democratic politicians, instructing the protester to take them along when he left.
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His list included former President Barack Obama, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “Take them all. They’re all no f, ing good,” the firefighter said, before another bystander could be heard responding, “Thank you. Nice job. Thank you,” as the man walked away.
As originally reported, footage of the confrontation was recorded by Turning Point USA and spread widely online. The firefighter’s name was not reported. It was unclear at the time whether he was active or retired, though the FDNY later stated he had never been a member of the New York City department and appeared to be connected to a different fire agency.
Near the end of the clip, a voice off-camera shouted, “The Jews are committing a genocide.” It was not possible to determine from the footage whether that remark came from the costumed protester or someone else nearby. Turning Point USA framed the incident as frustration from memorial attendees spilling into the surrounding streets.
The confrontation took place on the same day Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez drew criticism for appearing to smile and laugh during the reading of victims’ names at the Ground Zero ceremony. Both were present at the official observance, as was Governor Hochul, placing three of the four politicians named by the firefighter within blocks of where the exchange occurred.
Friday’s ceremony marked a quarter-century since al-Qaeda hijackers flew two planes into the World Trade Center towers, struck the Pentagon with a third, and were overpowered by passengers aboard United Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania. Vice President JD Vance and several living former presidents attended the New York observance. President Donald Trump delivered the keynote address at the Pentagon ceremony.
