JERSEY CITY – A national news organization seeking to determine the accuracy of statements made by GOP Presidential contender Donald Trump found several people – including a former Jersey City police captain – who said they saw small groups of Muslims cheering the fall of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001.
Police Captain Peter Gallagher told news organizations that he broke up a celebration that took place on a rooftop in Journal Square around that time. This claim is supported by a CBS TV report at the time that showed about two dozen people involved in a rooftop celebration.
One Jersey City resident also told NJ.com that he saw a small celebration that day.
Trump, however, claimed that he had seen “thousands and thousands” of Muslims celebrating in Jersey City, a claim denied by local law enforcement and city officials.
Mayor Steve Fulop said no police record showed any such celebration. Gallagher told the news organization he did not file a police report at the time.
Other area Muslims have denounced such celebrations and said that people of their religion should not be discriminated against based on the actions of a few.
Small groups reported celebrating in JC after 9/11
