On September 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 was hijacked by terrorists aiming to crash the plane into the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Passengers and crew, learning of the attacks in New York and the Pentagon, heroically fought back against the hijackers. Their efforts caused the plane to crash into a field near Shanksville in Somerset County, killing all 40 passengers and crew onboard. Their bravery prevented further devastation on that day.
This year’s anniversary comes amid a particularly contentious campaign cycle, making it unclear how candidates will balance remembrance and politics. Historically, it is rare for presidential hopefuls to attend ceremonies at the same time, but Kamala Harris and Donald Trump exchanged a civil handshake at Ground Zero this morning.
Harris and Biden traveled to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, immediately after the ceremony in New York City to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flight 93 memorial. Later in the afternoon, they will both travel to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, for another wreath laying ceremony according to the White House schedule.
President Biden & VP Harris Participate in Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. pic.twitter.com/wSH0DNwWJl
— CSPAN (@cspan) September 11, 2024
Former President Donald Trump also attended the memorial site in Shanksville, as well as visiting a nearby fire station.
Former President Trump arrives in Shanksville, PA to pay tribute to the 40 passengers and crew members who heroically and tragically lost their lives on Flight 93 on 9/11.@CNN pic.twitter.com/g3FzFYNjeB
— Danny Freeman (@DannyEFreeman) September 11, 2024
President Joe Biden is facing backlash after his remarks to reporters about his upcoming schedule. “I’m going up to my granddaughter’s birthday in New York. Then we’re going to watch the debate, and tomorrow I’m doing 9/11,” he said.
Wow.
A 9/11 widow just called out Kamala and Biden for attempting to give a plea deal to the hijackers and Biden using the term "do 9/11" yesterday.
It appears Kamala and Biden left Ground Zero early and therefore weren't there for itpic.twitter.com/uAjluAEoRQ
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 11, 2024
The widow of an FDNY chief killed on 9/11 highlighted President Joe Biden’s comment about the anniversary during a tribute to her late husband and the other victims at Wednesday’s ceremony.
