In a poignant moment at this year’s 9/11 commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero, Joanne Barbara, the widow of Gerard Barbara, a New York Fire Department assistant chief who perished in the attacks, delivered an emotional speech that resonated deeply with attendees and observers alike. Her address, however, took an unexpected turn when she directly criticized Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Barbara’s speech was a blend of remembrance and rebuke. She began by honoring the memory of her late husband and all those lost on that tragic day, emphasizing the ongoing pain and the daily remembrance that the families endure. Yet, her tone shifted as she referenced a comment made by Joe Biden, where he casually mentioned “doing 9/11” in reference to attending the ceremony. This phrase, perceived as insensitive, struck a nerve with Barbara and many others who felt it diminished the solemnity of the event.
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
Moreover, Barbara’s speech touched on a contentious issue involving the Biden administration’s handling of legal proceedings against the 9/11 masterminds. She criticized the administration for considering plea deals that would spare these individuals the death penalty, a move that has been met with outrage from many within the 9/11 community.
She was furious that Biden was preparing a deal that would let Khalid Sheikh Mohammed avoid the death penalty if he just admitted to planning the attacks. “My husband of 30 years was one of” the victims, she said. “It is outrageous that our government would ever entertain the thought of granting the terrorists a plea deal. If not for the outcry of the 9/11 community, who knows what might have transpired.”
Then she added, “It has been 23 years since then, and the families deserve justice and accountability.” The crowd agreed, clapping and cheering her on. She didn’t hold back when she said, “The elected officials show their respect and reverence to the families of September 11th or in our president’s words, ‘do 9/11’ – quite a flippant remark. But please remember the September 11th families live it every day.”
Barbara’s comments highlighted a growing sentiment of frustration over what some see as a lack of justice for the victims.
The ceremony, attended by both Biden and Harris, alongside President Trump, was intended as a moment of national unity and remembrance. However, Barbara’s speech turned it into a platform for political critique, reflecting broader sentiments of dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies and statements regarding the attacks.
This incident at Ground Zero has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, with many users expressing support for Barbara’s stance.
Barbara’s call for accountability and her emotional plea for the memory of her husband and others not to be trivialized have struck a chord, illustrating the deep-seated emotions still raw after 23 years. Her speech at the ceremony serves as a reminder of the personal impact of political decisions and the ongoing need for empathy and respect towards those directly affected by the tragedy. This moment at Ground Zero not only commemorated the past but also ignited a conversation about the present and future handling of 9/11’s legacy.
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