Bipartisan Lawmakers Gather at Ground Zero to Commemorate 9/11 and Address Ongoing Terror Threats

Bipartisan Lawmakers Gather at Ground Zero to Commemorate 9/11 and Address Ongoing Terror Threats

FIRST ON FOX: A bipartisan group of lawmakers from the House Homeland Security Committee is set to visit Ground Zero in New York City on Thursday to honor the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, according to information obtained by Fox News Digital.

New York City continues to be a target for terrorism, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness. Members of the House Homeland Security Committee have raised concerns about the ongoing threats facing the United States, particularly as large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup approach in the coming year.

Significant Commemorative Activities Planned

Rep. Andrew Garbarino, a Republican from New York and chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, will lead his fellow lawmakers on this important visit. They plan to lay flowers at the memorial and express gratitude to first responders. Additionally, the group will participate in a guided tour of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum later in the evening.

“Twenty-four years later, it’s essential to remember that the Department of Homeland Security and the Committee on Homeland Security were established in the aftermath of one of the darkest days in our nation’s history,” Garbarino stated. “As a lifelong New Yorker, ‘Never Forget’ signifies more than remembrance; it is a guiding principle in my work each day.”

Persisting Threats and Legislative Initiatives

In a dire warning, Garbarino noted that over two decades after the attacks, the nation still grapples with escalating and evolving threats posed by foreign terrorist organizations and homegrown violent extremists. He emphasized that New York remains a prime target for these actors.

The National Institute of Justice, the research and technology agency of the Justice Department, released findings in 2023 indicating that New York City experienced the highest number of attempted or actual terrorist incidents in the entirety of the United States.

In response to these persistent threats, committee members have initiated legislative efforts aimed at bolstering national security. For instance, Rep. August Pfluger from Texas reintroduced the Countering Online Radicalization and Terrorism Act earlier this year; this legislation mandates that DHS perform annual assessments on the threats posed by terrorist groups such as ISIS and Hamas using various foreign messaging applications.

Notable Attendees and Events

Among those expected to attend the commemorative visit are Bennie Thompson from Mississippi, the top Democrat on the committee, alongside fellow representatives Michael McCaul from Texas, Tony Gonzales also from Texas, Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania, LaMonica McIver representing New Jersey, Tim Kennedy from New York, and Pablo José Hernández, Puerto Rico’s resident commissioner.

A group of bipartisan lawmakers will also journey to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the designated venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Notably, members of the White House’s FIFA World Cup Task Force, including Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, will join the lawmakers to assess security measures being implemented in preparation for the prestigious event.

Commemorative Remarks by President Trump

President Donald Trump is scheduled to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Arlington, Virginia, at the Pentagon. He will deliver remarks during the annual observance ceremony and participate in a private memorial led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, honoring the 184 victims lost that day.

Coordination of Security Measures

The Department of Homeland Security plays a crucial role in coordinating security for upcoming major events, including the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, as well as the celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026. To ensure comprehensive oversight of these security efforts, the House Homeland Security Committee’s Task Force on Special Events is actively involved.

“This important meeting will enhance the Committee’s ongoing mission to guarantee that DHS can effectively protect both Americans and guests during upcoming international events on U.S. soil, including the 2028 Olympics,” remarked Garbarino. “America must never again be caught off guard by its adversaries.”

A Call for Vigilance and Unity

The collective activities of the House Homeland Security Committee highlight the enduring impact of the September 11 attacks on national security policy. As lawmakers gather to remember the lives lost and acknowledge the evolving threats, they reinforce the commitment to ensuring a secure future for all citizens. The continued vigilance and unity in combating terrorism remain more crucial than ever as events worldwide draw closer.