US and Canada mark 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

Communities across the United States and Canada marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Friday with ceremonies focused on remembrance, honoring first responders, and passing memories to a new generation. The observances, held at the three sites struck by hijacked airliners and in numerous local communities, honored the 2,977 victims and reflected on the enduring national trauma. At the National September 11 Memorial in New York City, family members read the names of the victims and observed moments of silence. For the first time, a seventh moment of silence was included to honor those who have died since 2001 from illnesses linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero. Vice President JD Vance attended the New York ceremony alongside former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. The event does not feature political speeches. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the memorial despite a petition with over 100,000 signatures opposing his presence. Earlier in the week, Mamdani released approximately 170,000 pages of city documents concerning what officials knew about air toxicity after the attacks.