At Friday’s ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani — known for controversial remarks against Muslims — shook hands with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the target of those remarks. Giuliani, a former Republican mayor, reportedly offered prayers for Mamdani during their brief exchange, according to a source who requested anonymity. “Rudy told him he knows it’s a tough job and he’s praying for him,” the source said. Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim mayor, later told reporters that he and Giuliani “exchanged pleasantries” when asked about their conversation. In another surprising moment, former Mayor Bill de Blasio was seen hugging and chatting with his longtime political rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Meanwhile, Republican Vice President JD Vance was spotted mingling with Democratic leaders, including former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama. A Giuliani aide also publicly defended Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from claims they were laughing during the ceremony, which they were not. Despite tensions in New York politics, the solemn nature of the 9/11 commemoration brought many politicians together. The event honored the 2,983 victims of the attacks, and the shared focus on remembrance seemed to ease partisan divisions. “This is a moment of common humanity,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “I saw people who may say things in the moment, but at that moment, we were united.” New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks suggested Giuliani’s gesture of offering prayers to Mamdani was an act of unity, following the teachings of Jesus. “Prayer is a powerful sign of unity,” he said. Meanwhile, Mamdani faced pressure not to attend the ceremony due to his association with a controversial Twitch streamer and his religion. However, he attended, and no incidents occurred as expected. After the ceremony, political tensions resurfaced. Cuomo warned that the 9/11 memorial should remind people of current threats, such as rising antisemitism and the war in Iran. Outside the World Trade Center memorial, a heated clash between far-right groups highlighted the country’s increasingly divided political climate, with anti-Muslim and antisemitic slogans being shouted. New York is also seeing a rise in parents seeking exemptions for their children from state vaccine mandates. A mother in Eastchester is challenging the state’s vaccination laws, which only allow medical exemptions. The case will be heard at the federal trial court level, but her child cannot attend school while the matter is being decided. Gun safety group Every Town for Gun Safety endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul for reelection, praising her efforts to reduce gun violence. Hochul’s opponent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, has faced criticism from Democrats for supporting gun rights and implementing a program allowing armed citizens to serve as deputies. Republican groups are increasing their spending in New York’s Hudson Valley and Long Island to support GOP candidates. Meanwhile, Tesla’s modified autonomous Cybercabs have begun operating in New York City, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is among 1,000 lawyers suspended from practicing in the state.