President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris put aside their political differences to pay their respects and shook hands.
Earlier, Harris and Trump faced off in a heated presidential debate hosted by ABC, where they clashed on key issues such as immigration, abortion rights, and foreign policy.Both candidates aimed to win over voters ahead of the November 5 election
As the reading of victims’ names began, some relatives used the platform to deliver political messages. Allison Walsh-DiMarzio, daughter of victim Barbara P Walsh, challenged Trump and Harris directly, saying, “We are pleading for your help, but you ignore us.” She urged them to press Saudi Arabia about any official involvement in the attacks, as most of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals.
Joanne Barbara, widow of Assistant Fire Chief Gerard A. Barbara, spoke out against a now-revoked plea deal with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two fellow defendants, emphasizing that “the families deserve justice and accountability” after 23 years.
Biden, Harris, and Trump also paid their respects at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, where one of the hijacked planes crashed after passengers and crew members attempted to storm the cockpit. The attacks claimed 2,977 lives and left countless bereaved families and survivors in their wake, altering US foreign policy, domestic security practices, and the mindset of many Americans who had not previously felt vulnerable to foreign extremists.
Communities across the country hold events on the anniversary, with many Americans participating in volunteer work as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. While some victims’ relatives appreciate the presence of politicians at the ceremonies, others feel that the focus should remain on remembering their loved ones and finding solutions for peace, rather than scoring political points.