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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 479-09
November 2, 2009

STATEMENT OF MAYOR BLOOMBERG ON TODAY’S ARSON FIRE IN MEMORIAL PARK

"Just before nine o’clock today, the FDNY was called to a fire in the chapel of Memorial Park, the temporary resting place for remains of those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Those remains will eventually be moved to the permanent memorial at Ground Zero, but until that time, Memorial Park is a solemn and special place reserved for family members of 9/11 victims.

"The FDNY quickly extinguished the fire and the fire damage was limited to the chapel, which will be repaired by the Chief Medical Examiner. There was no damage to any 9/11 remains, but mementoes and candles left by family members in honor of 9/11 victims were destroyed or possibly stolen. Family members who visit the Memorial Park chapel and have already gone through such enormous loss have my sympathy.

"Fire Marshals have determined that this fire was intentionally set and the chapel will be temporarily treated as a crime scene. Anyone who would set fire to the inviolable Memorial Park chapel is craven and contemptible. Fire Marshals and Police will investigate this aggressively and bring whoever is responsible to justice."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser / Jason Post   (212) 788-2958




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