New York City commemorated the 24th 9/11 anniversary on Thursday, remembering the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania countryside.
The day began with a citywide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the time Flight 11 hit the North Tower. Across the city, churches and mosques tolled their bells. Families of the victims read the names of those killed, paying tribute to firefighters, first responders, and civilians who died that day.
Vice President JD Vance was expected to attend memorial events at Ground Zero. Traditionally, New York’s sitting mayor also attends, along with community leaders. This year’s ceremony comes amid a tense political climate. The city is in the middle of a high-profile mayoral race, with socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani leading polls against former governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams.
Political tensions in the U.S. have been heightened in recent months due to incidents of violence, including targeted killings and attacks on political figures. These divisions cast a unique shadow over this year’s 9/11 anniversary events.
Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers resisted the hijackers, and the Pentagon attack remain central to the national memory of that day. The official death toll stands at 2,977, not including the 19 Al-Qaeda hijackers responsible for the attacks.
Mamdani highlighted the long-lasting social impact of 9/11, noting that the attacks marked a turning point for many New Yorkers, particularly Muslim communities, who faced increased discrimination in the aftermath.
The 24th anniversary served as both a remembrance and a moment of reflection on national unity and resilience. While the country remains politically divided, New Yorkers came together to honor the victims and reaffirm their commitment to remembering one of the darkest days in American history.
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