NYC Council to push for changes in credentialing after Luigi Mangione superfans issued press cards

Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News on Sep 10, 2026

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NEW YORK — The City Council Thursday is expected to introduce a bill aimed at reforming the city’s press credentialing process — a move that comes after the issuance of the credentials to Luigi Mangione superfans came under scrutiny.

The bill would lower the burden of proof required to either revoke or suspend press credentials, although it would still require a hearing to do so. It would also direct the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment to reevaluate how they issue the passes.

Supporters of Mangione have drawn controversy after they wore their press badges to court hearings for the now-confessed killer and praised his shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. After the Daily News and others reported on the situation in May, the Mamdani administration said it was “reassessing the city’s process and standards for press credentialing.”

Speaker Julie Menin, who was formerly the MOME commissioner, and Deputy Leader Chris Banks were expected to introduce the bill at Thursday’s Council meeting.

“Press credentials are essential tools for journalists, often allowing them to access emergency scenes and other sensitive locations,” Menin said in a statement. “For this system to work as intended, there must be a thoughtful process for issuing credentials and, when necessary, revoking them. We’re committed to ensuring a process that balances real logistical, safety, and journalistic concerns. Our only goal here is to help journalists do their critical work, in good times and bad.”

Banks, who represents parts of East New York and Brownsville, said that “recent experiences” have put a spotlight on the importance of only issuing press cards to actual journalists.

“There have been instances where individuals claiming to act as members of the press have inserted themselves into proceedings not to report the news, but to advocate for a particular position and/or disrupt public events and press conferences,” Banks said.

“This legislation helps establish a clear and fair process for the suspension or revocation of press credentials while promoting transparency, consistency, due process, and preserving the integrity of the credentialing system for legitimate members of the press.”

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