MIAMI (VINnews) -Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking aim at Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his decision to give a symbolic 9/11 pen to a top aide who previously represented an al-Qaeda-linked detainee.

“Was this ‘tone deaf’ or intentional?” DeSantis wrote Tuesday, in a pointed post questioning the mayor’s decision.

Mamdani gave the ceremonial pen to chief counsel Ramzi Kassem during a 9/11 commemoration. Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, an al-Qaeda operative whose sister was married to 9/11 hijacker Khalid al-Mihdhar.

The gesture has sparked outrage among critics and 9/11 families, who questioned the appropriateness of honoring the anniversary of the attacks in such a setting.

DeSantis’ blunt question adds to the backlash surrounding Mamdani’s handling of the 9/11 commemoration.

Was this “tone deaf” or intentional? https://t.co/4XlujOEqNA

— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) September 8, 2026