Virginia leaders remember 9/11 24 years later

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Twenty-four years after the devastating Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, Virginia leaders are looking back on the day amid political tensions.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, the U.S. marked the 24th anniversary of the deadly attacks in New York, at the Pentagon, across the country, as well as in Virginia, with nearly 3,000 people dying.

Earlier on Thursday, the University of Richmond (UR) held an annual 9/11 Memorial Walk to honor lives lost. The walk began with opening remarks and a prayer, followed by four moments of silence to mark the times when planes struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and when Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump also marked 24 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks at a service at the Pentagon on Thursday.

The 9/11 anniversary, typically a date of national unity, honors those who died in the deadly attacks. The 24th anniversary came a day after Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer and co-founder of a national organization for conservative youth, was shot and killed on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Glenn Youngkin

In a post on Facebook, Gov. Glenn Youngkin shared the following statement:

"Today, we remember the 2,977 lives taken on September 11, 2001 — including those lost at the Pentagon in Arlington, here in Virginia. We honor the heroes who rushed into danger, the service members who answered the call, and the families forever changed. May we never forget, and may God continue to bless their memory and our nation."

Abigail Spanberger

In a statement to 8News, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger shared the following statement:

“Today, I join Virginians across the Commonwealth in remembering the nearly 3,000 innocent people killed by terrorists on September 11, 2001 — fellow Americans who began their days just like any other, but never returned home.

In the aftermath of the attacks, Americans came together and demonstrated our unity, compassion, and resilience. Since that day, we’ve mourned the loss of those killed and committed to memory profound stories of heroism — firefighters who rushed towards the towers, passengers and flight attendants on Flight 93 who sacrificed everything to stop a fourth attack, and the people who helped others escape the World Trade Center and Pentagon, so many of whom never made it out themselves.

Today, we also honor the sacrifices of each and every American servicemember and career public servant who has devoted their lives to defending America from terrorism.”

Winsome Earle-Sears

In a post on X, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears shared the following statement:

"Today, we reflect and remember the nearly 3,000 souls who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the brave passengers and crew on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. We will never forget the courage and sacrifices of the thousands of first rescuers who rushed toward danger to save others. Today and every day, may we honor the legacy of the victims and recommit ourselves to service in our communities and our great country."

Jay Jones

In a statement to 8News, Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general, shared the following statement:

“Twenty-four years later, we can still recall where we were during the unspeakable attacks on September 11, 2001. Today, we honor the victims, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the families who continue to carry the weight of that day.

We also remember the servicemembers who have answered the call to defend those values around the world, both then and now.

It is our solemn responsibility to stand with courage against hate and violence in all forms and to protect the fundamental principles of American democracy and freedom that unite us. That tragedy – along with the resilience shown in its wake – reminds us that these principles must be defended every day with vigilance and unity.”

Ghazala Hashmi

In a post on X, Ghazala Hashmi, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, shared the following statement.

"Today, Virginians and Americans all across the country are joined in [remembrance] of the horrific attack on our freedoms and values on this day 24 years ago.

We honor the innocent lives that were lost, the families that were forever changed, and the brave souls who committed acts of heroism to save the lives of others, many of who sacrificed their own."

Jennifer McClellan

In a post on X, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan shared the following statement:

"On September 11, 2001, a horrific tragedy shook our nation to its core. Today, we remember and honor the nearly 3,000 lives tragically lost, the brave first responders who answered the call and everyone affected."

Mark Warner

In a post on X, Sen. Mark Warner shared the following statement:

"Today, we pause in remembrance of the thousands of lives lost on September 11, 2001. To the families and communities still grieving their loved ones, no matter how many years pass, we will never forget your loss."

Jen Kiggans

In a post on X, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans shared the following statement:

"24 years ago, I was sitting in the cockpit of an H-3 on base at Naval Air Station Oceana when I first heard of the attack on the World Trade Center. As we prepared on base for the unknown, I remember how unified our country became and how almost every house flew an American flag for weeks. We must remember how it felt to be an American that day and continue to make that unity a priority going forward. We must also take time to honor the memory of the thousands of innocent civilians who lost their lives and the incredible sacrifice of our first responders who answered the calls to help without hesitation. #NeverForget"

Bobby Scott

In a post on X, Rep. Bobby Scott shared the following statement:

"September 11, 2001 is a day that we will never forget. We remember the lives lost, and we honor the heroism of the first responders."