9/11 Widow Condemns Biden’s ‘Flippant’ Remark Ahead of Memorial Service

Joanne Barbara, widow of FDNY Assistant Chief Gerard Barbara who was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, took aim at President Joe Biden for his casual and “flippant” comment regarding his plans to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the attacks. During the memorial service on Wednesday, she called out Biden’s dismissive tone, reminding Americans that for the families of victims, 9/11 isn’t just a day on the calendar, but something they live with every day.

Barbara, speaking before a crowd gathered at Ground Zero, noted, “The elected officials here today show their respect and reverence to the families on September 11, or in our president’s words, ‘do 9/11.’ Quite a flippant remark. But please remember the September 11 families live it every day, not just on the anniversary.”

Her criticism came after Biden made an offhand remark while speaking to reporters on the White House lawn, where he described his plans for the day: “I’m going up to my granddaughter’s birthday in New York. Then we’re going to watch the debate. Tomorrow, I’m doing 9/11.”

The president’s words sparked immediate backlash, with many accusing him of downplaying the solemnity of the day. While Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were present at Ground Zero during the memorial services, both left before Barbara made her statement. Cameras capturing the event showed that by the time Barbara spoke, only former President Donald Trump and his vice-presidential pick, Senator JD Vance (R-OH), remained in attendance.

Biden’s comment, seen by many as disrespectful, adds to a growing perception of his disconnect from the gravity of certain national events. For families like Joanne Barbara’s, who lost loved ones in the attacks, such remarks are a painful reminder of how some political figures seem to treat national tragedies with indifference.

Barbara’s words were a poignant reminder that while the nation marks the anniversary of the attacks once a year, for those who lost family members, the grief is constant. Her public rebuke of the president struck a chord with many Americans who still hold 9/11 as a defining moment of national unity and sacrifice.

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