What the governor did
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation declaring January as Muslim American Heritage Month for New York State and directed 16 state landmarks to be illuminated green for the observance. The governor said the lighting honors the contributions and culture of Muslim Americans and aims to protect the community from hate and bias. The announcement included a list of sites and a short statement posted on X by the governor.
Which landmarks were lit
The list of locations includes One World Trade Center as well as the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, Empire State Plaza, Grand Central Terminal, Niagara Falls, and others across the state. Officials said the green illumination was planned for Friday night to mark the start of the month long recognition.
Why some people reacted strongly
The timing sparked debate. Critics pointed out the history of Islamist terror attacks on 9/11 that killed almost 3,000 people in New York and beyond. Supporters argued the lighting celebrates Muslim Americans who serve their communities and highlights inclusion. Both sides are using facts and emotion to make their case, and many New Yorkers feel strong about symbols tied to Ground Zero.
Context about 9/11 and prior attacks
On September 11, 2001, al Qaeda operatives hijacked four passenger jets, hitting the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, and a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened. Earlier, a 1993 truck bombing at the World Trade Center killed six and injured many more. Those events are central to why some New Yorkers respond sensitively when officials highlight Muslim heritage in public displays.
Official responses and local leaders
Gov. Hochul said New York is a beacon of tolerance and that Muslim communities make the state stronger. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was sworn in recently as the city’s first Muslim mayor, thanked the governor and said recognition helps Muslim New Yorkers feel seen. Other elected officials and community leaders offered statements both supporting and questioning the timing.
What to watch next
Expect continued debate in media and on social platforms about public symbols and how government marks cultural observances. Officials will likely point to inclusivity and anti hate measures while critics will press historical and security concerns. This moment is a reminder that symbols matter and that leaders must balance recognition with sensitivity to history.
The bone-chilling footage of the moment when the plane hit World Trade Center on September 11 (9/11) pic.twitter.com/yZOPaUmbmD
— Know Your History (@H54355Know) February 1, 2024
The resilience, compassion, and contributions of Muslim communities help make our state stronger.
Tonight landmarks across the state are lit green as New York celebrates Muslim American Heritage Month. pic.twitter.com/5AFw9dsgof
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 2, 2026
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
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better yet make all year American Heritage Year flush these democrats that hate Americans and support terrorists, antifa, illegal border insurgents, trans gender groomers, pedophiles, drug cartels, human trafficking, criminals, and communists to destroy America