President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, and Senator JD Vance gathered in New York on Wednesday to mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, temporarily setting aside their political differences to honor the memory of the tragedy.
The four leaders attended a commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero in Manhattan. In a moment of unity, Trump and Harris shook hands following their first in-person meeting during a presidential debate just hours earlier. Vance did not engage with Harris during the event.
Biden and Harris then proceeded to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flight 93 memorial. Biden placed his hand on the wreath as those present bowed their heads in remembrance. They also visited a local fire station, which played a significant role for families during the aftermath of the attacks.
While at the fire station, Biden donned a Trump hat in an apparent display of bipartisan unity, smiling as he did so. A White House spokesperson noted that Biden was discussing the need for national unity in the wake of the attacks. He exchanged hats with a man wearing a Trump cap, further emphasizing the gesture.
This election cycle is particularly contentious, making such displays of bipartisanship significant amid a backdrop of political hostility. Following their time in Pennsylvania, Biden and Harris traveled to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, for another wreath-laying ceremony.
Later in the day, Trump is expected to visit Shanksville separately.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president, will also participate in an event to honor the anniversary, though details regarding its location have not been disclosed.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths when terrorists hijacked four commercial flights, crashing two into the Twin Towers and another into the Pentagon, while the fourth landed in a field in Pennsylvania as passengers attempted to regain control.
Biden commemorated the anniversary last year with a ceremony involving American service members in Alaska. Although he inaccurately claimed to have visited Ground Zero the day after the attacks, he actually arrived there nine days later. Biden has made commemorative visits to the Pentagon and other sites over the years during the anniversaries.
Wednesday’s events are the sixth election cycle in which candidates have navigated the somber anniversary during an active campaign. The day has historically showcased both unity and division among leaders, with various presidential candidates attending memorial events with varying levels of interaction.
This story is still developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.