CBS News Revises Petition Coverage After Discrepancy Review

A petition launched by Giovanni Galante—whose husband died in the attacks—called for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim elected official, to stay away from the 25th-anniversary remembrance ceremony. The petition quickly gathered public support, reaching more than 24,000 signatures according to reporting earlier this week.

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Media coverage varied on how many 9/11 victims’ families signed the petition. The New York Post’s headline suggested “thousands of 9/11 families,” while its own story cited “at least 300 victims’ families”. Investigative journalist Judd Legum found that the 300 figure was an estimate rather than a count derived from a verified list. Galante explained the estimate’s basis, noting that organizers relied on personal networks to gauge support.

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CBS News New York initially reported that “thousands of 9/11 victims’ families” were urging the mayor not to attend the ceremony. The revision was made following direct contact from Legum’s Popular Information report.

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• “Rather, the 300 figure that organizers shared with the New York Post was an estimate based on how they believe the petition spread before it received much publicity,” — Judd Legum, mamdani after journalist

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• “We all know each other, so…think about it. If you know 10 people and they give it to 10 more people they know that lost,” — Giovanni Galante

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• “After Popular Information reached out for comment, that line was removed,” — Judd Legum, mamdani after journalist

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These statements illustrate the contested figures, the organizers’ estimation method, and the subsequent editorial correction.

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