Just hours after New York City’s first Muslim-American Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, was sworn in, Empire State Gov. Kathy Hochul declared January to be “Muslim American Heritage Month” and ordered One World Trade Center and 15 other state landmarks to be bathed in green light to celebrate “the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans."
Many on social media were quick to point out that we can’t illuminate the Twin Towers because they are no longer on the skyline after the horrific 9/11 al-Qaeda terrorist attacks, which took down the buildings and killed almost 3,000 innocents. September 11, as all Americans know, was carried out by 19 hijackers affiliated with the Islamist extremist group led by the late Osama bin Laden.
But 9/11 was evidently not on Hochul’s mind Friday evening:
The resilience, compassion, and contributions of Muslim communities help make our state stronger.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 2, 2026
Tonight landmarks across the state are lit green as New York celebrates Muslim American Heritage Month. pic.twitter.com/5AFw9dsgof
The governor also released a statement vowing to protect Muslims from Islamophobia. She did not mention a report released Monday from the NYPD, which showed that Jews were targeted more than all other minority groups combined in the Big Apple in 2024, and combined for more than 54 percent of all hate crimes in the city.
Hochul:
"Home to the largest Muslim American population in the nation, New York is proud to join in this month-long celebration, recognizing the values, faith and traditions of our Muslim American communities," Hochul said in a statement.
"New York remains committed to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity that celebrates the diversity of its Muslim American population and protects them from Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm."
Meanwhile, Mamdani, in one of his first acts in office, rescinded several executive orders from his predecessor, Eric Adams, that targeted antisemitism. The state of Israel and many Jewish organizations were outraged.
READ MORE: It’s Time to Escape From New York
Never Forget, Never Fade: Why 9/11 Deserves a National Holiday
Although local Muslim politicians and groups were pleased with the Appreciation Month and the green lights, there was plenty of negative reaction on social media as well. One conservative author wrote, “The betrayal of the nation's veterans continues.” Another blistered:
Lighting One World Trade Center green for Muslim American Heritage Month—on the site where al-Qaeda terrorists murdered 3,000 in the name of radical Islam—is a profound insult to 9/11 victims, survivors, and first responders. Tone-deaf doesn't begin to cover it.
Interesting — I wonder why Hochul waited till 6:49 p.m. to post the move, which is almost certain to provoke reactions from many? If you’re going to be bold, why not be bold in the sunlight of the day?
President Donald Trump has not weighed in as of this hour, but I’m betting he will at some point.
RedState will keep you updated on this story as reaction comes in.
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