Critics were swift to pounce on the 9/11 Memorial and Museum’s decision Thursday to cancel this year’s “Tribute in Light” in New York City to honor those who died in the terror attacks on the city nearly 20 years ago.
The New York Post said the museum based its decision on the coronavirus outbreak and said the health risks were “far too great” to consider.
“The world’s beloved twin beams of light regrettably will not shine over Lower Manhattan as part of this year’s 9/11 tributes after concluding the health risks during the pandemic were far too great,” Michael Frazier, a spokesman for the museum, said in a statement.
The museum’s announcement did not sit well with many on social media. Critics were quick to point out that Mayor Bill de Blasio, just weeks ago, spearheaded a Black Lives Matter ‘mural’ in front of Trump Tower in the heart of the city.
The construction on the display would require 40 stagehands and electricians who would need to work in close proximity for over a week. The risk of coronavirus transmission was too great to take that risk, the museum said.
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“Remember everyone 40 people working on the lights is dangerous…50+ sanitation department employees drawing a #blm mural in front of Trump tower is ok,” one Twitter user posted.
Many on social media posted photos of de Blasio at the site of the BLM mural while surrounded by city workers. Critics say this is just the latest hypocritical move by a Democrat-controlled city.
Best-selling author and conservative radio host Todd Starnes blasted the decision.
“I’d like for the mayor to explain how painting ‘Black Lives Matter’ in front of Trump Tower is permissible, but honoring those who died on September 11, 2001 is not,” Starnes said. “I suspect if those two beams of light had been a tribute to Black Lives Matter, Mayor De Blasio would’ve personally flipped the switch.”
“If those two beams of light honored Black Lives Matter,
President Trump’s supporters have accused Democrats of going to great lengths to try and damage the president prior to the 2020 elections from enforcing strict coronavirus shutdowns, supporting agitators and blocking stimulus proposals. It does not take a political insider to understand that the mood of the country will play an important role as the country gets closer to the election.
“This says it all,” Eric Trump tweeted. “Our Mayor can play arts and crafts in front of Trump Tower but he can’t shine the Tribute Light Memorial at the World Trade Center in memory of 9/11.”