1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment over Mayor Mamdani’s emergency order restricting public event permits in New York City from June 11 through July 19, 2026, a window that directly overlaps with America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The most visible consequence of this order is the loss of a free, open to the public Times Square ball drop on July 3rd what should have been a landmark, once in a generation celebration of our nation’s founding. Instead, it has been reduced to a ticketed or broadcast-only event, locking everyday New Yorkers out of a historic moment. I understand that the FIFA World Cup places real demands on NYPD resources. However, America turns 250 only once. The city found ways to manage the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations it must find a way now. Whether through private funding, creative coordination, or additional resources, there are solutions available that do not require choosing between the World Cup and our nation’s birthday. I am also troubled that the order explicitly exempts demonstrations from permit denials, while blocking large-scale patriotic gatherings. That inconsistency deserves a serious answer. I urge you to press Mayor Mamdani to reconsider and work with organizers to restore meaningful, accessible public celebrations befitting this singular national milestone.