The BBC has faced criticism from journalists and political sources for its coverage of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which they say focused more on Islamophobia and Muslim communities than on the terrorism itself. Critics argue this framing was inappropriate for a memorial marking a terrorist atrocity, with one Westminster source comparing it to "starting D-Day memorials by remembering the plight of the Nazis."

Radio 4's Today programme featured a Muslim interviewee discussing being viewed "through the lens of terrorism," while BBC television bulletins highlighted rising anti-Muslim discrimination and featured a man whose Muslim American police cadet brother died in the attacks, who criticised right-wing rhetoric. Former BBC journalist Catherine Leng said she heard words like "Islamophobia" and "disproportionate overreach" but not "Islamist terrorists," while ex-Sky journalist Colin Brazier accused the BBC of avoiding the word "Islam" in connection with 9/11 and instead suggesting the West "got what it deserved."