New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg says it would be un-American to investigate a mosque that is planned for construction near where the World Trade Center once stood. Bloomberg was asked Monday about GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio's demands last week that Democratic rival Andrew Cuomo investigate the mosque being developed near the Sept. 11 attack site.
The mayor has defended the mosque plans before. On Monday, he said investigating or vetting religious organizations goes against what the nation stands for.
Lazio has refused to say whether he opposes the mosque being built near the site. He said he is concerned that not enough is known about the funding sources.
Cuomo has said he supports the project. Bloomberg is a Republican-turned-independent.
