NYC Denies Another Request for 9/11 Toxin Data, Sparking New Lawsuit

Advocates say city officials are playing 'three-card monte' with critical public health records.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City has denied another request for data about the toxins that swirled above Ground Zero after 9/11, claiming nothing could be found, despite the discovery of 68 boxes worth of information on the subject just four months ago. Advocates for 9/11 survivors are again suing for the data, accusing the city of obstructing access to critical public health records.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability around the public health impacts of the 9/11 attacks. Access to accurate data on the toxins present at Ground Zero is essential for supporting survivors and first responders who continue to suffer health issues related to the disaster.

The details

The city has denied a recent Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request for the 9/11 toxin data, claiming searches 'have not identified any records responsive to your requests.' This comes despite the discovery of 68 boxes of relevant material just months ago, after a similar lawsuit. Advocates say the city is playing 'three-card monte' to prevent the release of these critical public health records.

  • In February 2026, the city denied the latest FOIL request and appeal.
  • In March 2026, attorneys filed a new lawsuit against the city, seeking a court order to release the records.

The players

Andrew Carboy

An attorney representing the families of 9/11 illness victims and the survivor advocacy group 9/11 Health Watch.

Matthew McCauley

An attorney representing the families of 9/11 illness victims and the survivor advocacy group 9/11 Health Watch.

Jeffrey Lowell

A FOIL Appeals Officer for the city of New York.

Steven Banks

The incoming Corporation Counsel for the city of New York, who recently testified about reviewing and releasing 9/11-related documents.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With its ever-changing replies, the city plays three-card monte with Sept. 11 records.”

— Andrew Carboy, Attorney

“Transparency isn't optional, it's essential to any healthy democracy.”

— Spokesman for Mayor Zohran Mamdani

“Mayor Mamdani can still be the who, after 25 years, answers the question: what did the city know about the hazards caused by the toxic chemicals at Ground Zero, and when did it know it?”

— Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director, 9/11 Health Watch

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to order the city to release the 9/11 toxin records.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges 9/11 survivors and first responders face in obtaining transparency and accountability from the city of New York regarding the public health impacts of the attacks. The city's repeated denials and obfuscation of these critical records raises serious concerns about its commitment to supporting those affected by the disaster.