New York City Council members introduced a bill on Thursday that would make it easier to revoke official press credentials from individuals who abuse them or use them for non‑journalistic purposes. The legislation, sponsored by Councilmember Chris Banks and co‑sponsored by Councilmembers Carmen De La Rosa and Inna Vernikov, seeks to protect the integrity of legitimate journalism in the city.

Why the change is needed

City Council Speaker Julie Menin told FOX 5 New York’s “Good Day New York” that the proposal is a response to a recent incident involving three supporters of convicted murderer Luigi Mangione. The trio displayed city‑issued press passes outside the courthouse during a hearing, despite not being journalists. “These individuals are not journalists, yet they are showing up at the trial with press credentials the City of New York is giving to them,” Menin said.

Current rules and the proposed amendment

Under existing regulations, the mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) must present “clear and convincing evidence” before it can suspend or revoke a press pass. The new bill would lower that standard to a “preponderance of the evidence,” aligning the process with other city administrative actions and allowing faster response when misuse is evident.

Support from city leadership

Mayor Zohran Mamdani also weighed in, stating that the three individuals should not have received press passes in the first place. The mayor’s office has expressed support for the council’s effort to ensure that only legitimate journalists receive credentialing.

What the bill would do

• Give MOME authority to suspend or revoke a press pass when the preponderance of evidence shows it is being misused.
• Require a streamlined review process, reducing bureaucratic delays.
• Emphasize that press credentials are intended for bona‑fide journalists who serve the public’s right to information.

Background on the Mangione case

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to federal charges for the December 5, 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a 50‑year‑old father of two. Surveillance video captured Mangione approaching Thompson on a Manhattan sidewalk, firing a silenced handgun, and fleeing on a bicycle. He was later apprehended at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after being identified from a wanted poster.

During a May hearing, three Mangione supporters displayed their city‑issued press passes outside the courthouse, drawing national attention and prompting criticism from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, which accused the defense of spreading false claims about the trial’s media plan.

Council’s next steps

The bill will be debated in upcoming council meetings. If passed, it would amend the city’s press credentialing regulations, providing clearer standards for revocation and reinforcing the city’s commitment to a free yet responsible press.

Community reaction

Local media organizations have expressed cautious optimism, noting that the proposed changes could help preserve the credibility of press credentials while still protecting First Amendment rights. Advocacy groups focused on press freedom have called for transparency in how the “preponderance of the evidence” standard will be applied.

Fox News contributor Brian Flood provided additional reporting on the story.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.