New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday issued a proclamation declaring January Muslim American Heritage Month across the state and directed 16 state landmarks, including NYC's One World Trade Center, to be illuminated green Friday night in "celebration of the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans."

"Home to the largest Muslim American population in the nation, New York is proud to join in this month-long celebration, recognizing the values, faith and traditions of our Muslim American communities," Hochul said in a statement. 

"New York remains committed to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity that celebrates the diversity of its Muslim American population and protects them from Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm."

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One World Trade Center stands on the site of 6 World Trade Center, which was heavily damaged by debris during the collapse of the North Tower in the 9/11 attacks.

Though the individuals who carried out the 9/11 attacks identified themselves as Muslims, they were members of al Qaeda, a violent extremist group.

The move came just one day after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was sworn in with the Quran as the first Muslim mayor of the city.

"While I was proud to be sworn in as our city’s first Muslim mayor [Thursday], Muslims have been part of New York for centuries," Mamdani said in a statement. "We have built small businesses, raised our families, pursued every profession, enriched our culture and cuisine, and been a part of what makes our city what it is today. 

"I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in recognizing these many contributions and ensuring that every January, Muslim New Yorkers can see ourselves reflected and recognized in a city and state that is also our home."

Other Muslim politicians, including New York State Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Charles Fall, state Sen. Robert Jackson, New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif and New York City Councilmember Yusef Salaam applauded the designation, thanking Hochul for honoring the community and promoting inclusivity.

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Council of Peoples Organization CEO Mohammad Razvi noted the Muslim community has "demonstrated resilience in the years following 9/11 while continuing to strengthen New York through immigrant contributions, civic leadership and service. This recognition affirms our place in the social, cultural and civic life of our state. … This moment reflects New York’s continued commitment to civil rights, religious freedom, unity and interfaith solidarity and to ensuring that people of all backgrounds are seen, valued and included."

While anti-Muslim hate crime increased after the 9/11 attacks, Jews were targeted more frequently than all other groups combined in New York City in 2024, with anti-Jewish incidents accounting for 54% of all hate crimes, according to a report from The Times of Israel.

The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding reported the Muslim community in New York City makes up 12.5% of pharmacists, 40% of taxi drivers and more than 57% of street food vendors. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to organizations supporting 9/11 victims, survivors and their families for comment.

The Dallas Cowboys fell short of the NFL playoffs this season. While Dak Prescott has powered a strong offense and enters Week 18 as the league’s leading passer, the Cowboys’ defense has underwhelmed at times this year.

Dallas’ defensive unit was thrust into the spotlight when star pass rusher Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers in August. Parsons, who will miss the rest of the regular season and the entire postseason with an ACL injury, recently assessed the Cowboys’ defense.

Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus acknowledged the heavy void after Parsons' departure, an admission Parsons responded to with several laughing emoji.

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Parsons defended his response by pointing to how longtime team owner Jerry Jones’ handling of Parsons' reputation played out.

"Y’all want me to feel bad?" Parsons wrote Thursday on X. "Jerry Jones slandered my name to Cowboys media and national media for months. So I do think I can react to comment if I want to!"

Jones addressed those comments from the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year during his routine appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.

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"I wish Micah the very best," Jones said. "I’d love to have Micah on the team. But we just couldn’t afford him. We wanted four or five players more than we did him. But he’s outstanding. I understand his sensitivity and can even understand these comments."

Parsons missed four games in 2024 but still finished the season with 12 sacks. He has recorded double-digit sacks in each of his five seasons in the NFL.

Parsons compiled 12½ sacks in his first 14 games with the Packers.

Green Bay sent defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two future first-round draft picks to the Cowboys in late August in exchange for Parsons.

Shortly after the two teams agreed to the deal, Parsons became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. He inked a four-year, $188 million contract, ESPN reported at the time. The contract reportedly included guarantees worth up to $136 million.

In a statement, Parsons thanked the Cowboys and expressed excitement about his next chapter, writing in part, "I never wanted this chapter to end, but not everything was in my control. My heart has always been here, and it still is. Through it all, I never made any demands. I never asked for anything more than fairness. I only asked that the person I trust to negotiate my contract be part of the process."

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