Ruth Epstein, a first selectman in Kent, Conn., says that to add "Muslim terrorists" to a 9/11 memorial would be disparaging towards Muslims.

Ruth Epstein, a first selectman in Kent, Conn., says that to add "Muslim terrorists" to a 9/11 memorial would be disparaging towards Muslims. (Associated Press)

By MEREDITH TRAINA | wpix.com

November 7, 2009
HARTFORD, Conn. (WPIX)—
A 9/11 memorial has stirred up controversy after a victim's father insisted his son's memorial read he was murdered by "Muslim terrorists."

Peter Gadiel's son, James Gadiel, was killed in the World Trade Center attacks. Town officials say it would be inappropriate to single out a religious group on a publicly funded project that would be erected on public property. So, the memorial has been postponed indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Peter Gadiel is blasting town officials for being too politically correct. "Ordinarily I would not want a reference to his murder on his memorial, but there seems to be an effort to whitewash what happened that day," said Gadiel.

Town officials say the controversy is unfortunate, but insists Gadiel's proposed wording is just too harsh.

"We're a very welcoming, caring community," said outgoing First Selectwoman Ruth Epstein, who did not seek re-election this year. "To disparage a particular religious group would not be appropriate. There are things that are just insensitive and we feel we don't want here."

The controversy gained attention after a story aired on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor." In response, town officials say they've been bombarded with tons of e-mails and phone calls supporting Mr. Gadiel.