9/11 Ceremony Brings Trump, Harris, Biden, and Vance Together in Remembrance

In a rare moment of unity, key political figures from both sides of the aisle gathered in New York City on Wednesday to honor the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, and his running mate Senator JD Vance (R-OH) stood together at Ground Zero to remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who perished in the attacks.

Other notable attendees included Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Former mayors Bill de Blasio and Rudy Giuliani, along with Trump’s sons, Eric and Don Jr., were also present for the solemn ceremony.

Video footage captured a brief moment between Harris and Trump, with former Mayor Bloomberg appearing to alert Harris to Trump's arrival. The two political opponents shared a handshake, their second in 12 hours following their debate in Philadelphia the previous night. As Trump arrived, cheers from the crowd could be heard, signaling ongoing support for the former president.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the exact time the first hijacked plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Another moment of silence followed at 9:03 a.m., when the second plane struck the South Tower. The tribute continued throughout the morning with additional moments of silence at 9:37 a.m. for the Pentagon attack, 9:59 a.m. for the collapse of the South Tower, 10:03 a.m. for Flight 93’s crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and 10:28 a.m. for the fall of the North Tower.

During the ceremony, the names of the 2,977 victims were read aloud, a tradition that typically lasts until around 12:30 p.m. The somber event not only honored those lost but also served as a reminder of the nation’s resilience in the face of tragedy.

In a statement marking the occasion, President Biden emphasized the importance of remembrance: “Never forget each of the 2,977 precious lives stolen from us when terrorists attacked our nation. Never forget their families who still bear the grief from that searing September morning. And never forget that when faced with evil and an enemy that sought to tear us apart we endured.”

Trump, Biden, and Harris are all expected to continue their tributes with a visit to Shanksville later in the day to honor the victims of Flight 93.

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