Petition Calls for NYC to Release All 9/11 Files

Survivor seeks transparency from new mayor on Ground Zero toxin risks

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:57pm

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A 9/11 cancer survivor is urging New York City's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, to release all city documents about deadly Ground Zero toxins. Ann Marie Principe, who ran a business near the World Trade Center site, says a recent bombshell memo showed officials knew the toxins could be deadly but told New Yorkers it was safe to return. Principe has started a petition calling for the release of all documents related to health and environmental concerns at Ground Zero after the 2001 attacks.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing health impacts and unanswered questions surrounding the 9/11 attacks, as well as the need for transparency from government officials about what they knew and when regarding the risks posed by toxins at Ground Zero. The release of these documents could provide closure for victims and their families, as well as shed light on potential negligence by the city in its response to the tragedy.

The details

Principe, who is battling a second bout of breast cancer and has small airway disease, says more than 1,200 people have signed her 'Urge Mayor Mamdani to release the 9/11 document' petition on Change.org. A recent memo proved the city knew about the potential risks of toxins weeks after the attacks but told New Yorkers it was safe to return to Lower Manhattan anyway. The city had previously claimed it had no such documents, until a Department of Investigation probe found 68 boxes of 9/11 health-related files.

  • A bombshell memo made public last month proved the city knew about the potential risks of toxins weeks after the terror attacks.
  • The city previously moved to dismiss attempts to disclose its own toxin records, at one point claiming it had no documents – and only reversed course last year after a Department of Investigation probe.

The players

Ann Marie Principe

A 66-year-old 9/11 cancer survivor who ran a model and talent agency near the World Trade Center site.

Zohran Mamdani

The new mayor of New York City who campaigned on promoting 'transparency in government'.

Gale Brewer

A New York City Councilwoman who spearheaded the Department of Investigation probe that found the 68 boxes of 9/11 health-related documents.

Julie Menin

The New York City Council Speaker who spoke at a press conference about the discovery of documents proving New York City officials knew the risk of toxins at Ground Zero.

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What they’re saying

“We're asking the mayor to release all documents related to health and the environment. It's not his fault. It's a mess that fell in his lap.”

— Ann Marie Principe, 9/11 cancer survivor

“I said more people would die after 9/11 from getting sick than those killed on that day. Unfortunately that turned out to be true.”

— Ann Marie Principe, 9/11 cancer survivor

What’s next

The petition recommends that Mayor Mamdani create a Ground Zero Task Force composed of 9/11 family members, survivors, downtown residents, volunteers, small businesses, legislators, and others to help guide the release of the documents.

The takeaway

The release of these long-hidden 9/11 documents could provide much-needed transparency and healing for the victims and their families, while also exposing potential negligence by the city in its response to the tragedy. This case highlights the ongoing health impacts and unanswered questions surrounding 9/11, underscoring the importance of government accountability and a commitment to public safety, even in the face of immense pressure and tragedy.