New York landmarks go green under Kathy Hochul’s Muslim heritage proclamation

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a historic proclamation declaring January as Muslim American Heritage Month and directed multiple state landmarks, including One World Trade Center, to be illuminated in green starting Friday, January 2, in celebration of Muslim American heritage and culture. 

Under the proclamation, 16 major landmarks across New York State were shining green to honor the contributions of Muslim Americans in arts, science, business, public service, and civic life. 

Hochul said the designation is intended to recognise the state’s large and diverse Muslim American population and “protect them from Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm.” 

One World Trade Center and other prominent landmarks are lit green

As part of the initiative, prominent sites, including One World Trade Center located at the former World Trade Center site, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Empire State Plaza, historic bridges, and major transit hubs, were illuminated in green.

Hochul said the celebration reflects both cultural pride and state support for inclusivity and diversity.

The designation comes just a day after Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor. 

Several Muslim elected officials, including state Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Charles Fall and New York City Council members Shahana Hanif and Yusef Salaam, applauded the proclamation and its symbolic importance. 

Kathy Hochul's decision sparks backlash on social media

Following the announcement, conservative activist Laura Loomer reacted sharply on X (formerly Twitter), criticising Hochul’s decision and terming it “an islamic conquest.”

In her post, Loomer characterised the move as politically motivated and an insult to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

“NY monuments have been lit up in Hamas green, literally the same exact shade of green as the Hamas flag,” said Loomer. “Mamdani has been in office for one day and he and Hochul are already Islamifying the entire state of New York!”

Many social media users have also slammed the decision. One commentator wrote, “37% of New Yorkers are too young to have personal memories of the 9/11.”

Another user added, “This is profoundly disrespectful to the victims of 9/11, as well as to the fallen NYPD officers, NYFD firefighters, and all first responders who sacrificed their lives.”

"I thought New York would always remember? Disgraceful!" wrote one more. 

Zohran Mamdani celebrated New York City’s diversity in inaugural address

Hochul’s directive comes just one day after Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, an event during which he took his oath on the Quran and spoke about embracing diversity.

In his inaugural remarks, Mamdani vowed to govern audaciously and celebrated the city’s diversity. He stressed that New York City "belongs to all who live in it."

The 34-year-old also vowed to bring the city's communities closer together and to "replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism."

The close timing of the governor’s announcement has drawn attention, particularly as Mamdani’s swearing-in and comments have already prompted political debate and mixed reactions.

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