Outrage Erupts as Afghan Merchant Peddles Disturbing 9/11 Rug in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara's so-called "finest rug store" is stirring up a storm of outrage after showcasing a grotesque rug that graphically depicts the 9/11 attacks. Tribal Rugs & Art flaunted this shocking piece right on the bustling State Street, turning heads and igniting fury on Saturday.

Priced at $450, the rug features a chilling image of the Twin Towers being struck by planes, with gaping holes where the jets collided. But that’s not all—the lower section of the rug includes military imagery, with tanks, grenades, and helicopters, alongside the date “19-3-03” stitched into the fabric.

In the corner, a stark label reads “9-11-01,” a detail that has left many aghast. Survivors of the attacks are voicing their disgust, with former FDNY commissioner Tom Von Essen leading the charge. “The people who created the rug and those who buy it are disrespectful imbeciles. For most of us, the pain of that day has not gone away,” he stated emphatically.

Retired FDNY lieutenant Jim McAffrey, who lost his brother-in-law during the tragedy, echoed this sentiment. “What is that supposed to be—a prayer mat? That’s sick if that’s what they’re doing. It’s disgusting. It’s another slap in the face,” he said, reflecting the outrage felt by many.

The store's owner, Masood Azizi, an Afghan native who has operated the shop since 1980, defended his controversial merchandise. In a brief chat, he claimed the rug was simply a “nice design” and insisted it wasn’t glorifying the terror attack. “It’s not actually celebrating. You’re just putting it in the weaving of what happened. So they just leave it on the rug as a memory,” he explained.

Azizi touted the rug's unique appearance and its Afghan origins, asserting its value at $450. “It’s unusual. The design is nice,” he added, seemingly unfazed by the backlash.

Afghan war rugs often depict historical events, with creators claiming these designs symbolize anti-war sentiments. However, in America, such products have long been met with controversy and backlash. “It’s disgusting,” remarked Ed Cutting, a New York City firefighter back in 2003. Others have pointed out that while creators may have innocent intentions, the execution is deeply flawed.

“It’s like if we had a market of rugs in the US that had imagery of the bombs blowing up Nagasaki,” a YouTuber commented last year, drawing parallels to other tragic historical events.

Azizi isn’t new to controversy; he faced legal troubles in Santa Barbara over unpaid taxes and was sentenced to three years probation in 2012 for failing to retain a business permit after neglecting to pay sales tax for over two years.

His social media showcases him mingling with celebrities in Santa Barbara's ritzy enclave, including a snapshot with Gerard Butler from 2016. His website boasts that his family-owned business is a staple of Santa Barbara’s famed lower State Street shopping district.

As this story unfolds, one thing is clear: the sale of this rug has opened old wounds and reignited discussions about respect and remembrance in the wake of tragedy.