Video of the jovial exchange between the two far-left New Yorkers while the names of the nearly 3,000 victims of the terrorist attack were being read was caught on camera by national news broadcasts and quickly went viral, prompting widespread outrage.

Mayor Mamdani's presence at the 9/11 event had been controversial even before the video went viral, as The Washington Times notes:

"The mayor's attendance had already drawn sustained criticism in the days leading up to Friday's ceremony. A petition launched by 9/11 families urging Mr. Mamdani to skip the commemoration gathered more than 100,000 signatures. Charles Wolf, who lost his wife in the attacks, said at a City Hall news conference, 'This mayor is not serving us. He's serving himself.'

"New York City Council Member Joann Ariola, who joined relatives in delivering the petition to City Hall, said the mayor 'was too cowardly to come out and meet the families himself.'"

The petition cites Mayor Mamdani's appointment of Ramzi Kassem as the city's chief legal counsel. Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, an al Qaeda operative who pleaded guilty to war-crimes charges, Fox News reports, quoting the petition: (Screengrab image: via ABC News)

"For 9/11 families, this is not simply a public ceremony—it is a deeply personal day of mourning. The presence of individuals whose words or associations are perceived as conflicting with the solemn purpose of the event risks detracting from that focus and causing additional pain."

"How the H--l do you laugh while the names of those murdered on 9/11 are being read aloud? Why would you do so?" Sen. Cruz wrote on X.com, remarking on a video post of the exchange between Ocasio-Cortez and Mayor Mamdani. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

'Natural Realm Responded': Filmmakers Detail the Amazing Spiritual Manifestation on Set of the New Movie about Daniel from the Bible

Charlie Kirk Statue and Sign Vandalized with Satanic Message on First Anniversary of His Murder

Massachusetts Takes Daughter from Catholic Parents for Refusing to Affirm Trans Identity

Houthi Attacks on Saudi Pipelines Send Prices Higher; Israel Claims 'Massive Victory' over Hezbollah

Senate Republicans Release New Crypto Bill Text, Clarity Act Vote Today

Dems and RINOs Continue to Gaslight the Public on the SAVE America Act, Which Would Bring Integrity Back to US Elections

Supreme Court Rules against Trump's Mail-In Ballot Rules; Now November's Election Must Be 'Too Big to Rig'

Prayer Alert: In Nepal, the Flood Isn't the Only Dangerous Issue for Christians There (Video)

Video of Mamdani, AOC Laughing and Smiling as Names of 9/11 Victims Are Read Goes Viral (Watch)

Guess Who Helped Doxx the Holdout Juror in the Lindsay Clancy Case

AI Company Reports Attempts to Create Bioweapons and Malicious Cyberattacks

Teachers' Union Getting Involved in the Lawsuits Involving Illegal CDL Drivers; Are They Driving School Buses Too?!

Trump-Appointed Judge Blocks USPS Mail-Ballot Rule in Major Election Case

WATCH: Newly Declassified Video Shows Rescue of Air Force Pilots after Crashing in Iran; 44 Bravo's Amazing Survival Account

Riveting, Inspirational Account of the Pilot Slated to Fly Flight 11 Out of Boston on 9/11--but Didn't (Video)

Saved from the Ashes of 9/11, He Has Given His Life to Save Others Too: 'Call on Jesus'

What the White House Faith Office Has Done in Just 18 Months

Droves of Subscribers Cancel Netflix After 'Neck Injury' Joke on One-Year Anniversary of Charlie Kirk Assassination

Robert Kennedy, Jr. Delivers ABSOLUTELY HISTORIC Speech at RNC Midterm Convention in Crushing Blow to Democrat Anti-Americanism (VIDEO)

Powerful: Former Air Force Lieutenant Was Sent on Suicide Mission to Ram Flight 93-Its Brave Passengers Made Sure She Never Had To (Video)