President Joe Biden is not escaping criticism of the language he used to explain he would be attending the memorial ceremony to mark the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
On Wednesday, Joanne Barbara, widow of Gerard Barbara, a firefighter who died during 9/11, took aim at the president.
“The elected officials here today show their respect and reference to the families on Sept 11,” Joanne Barbara said.
She added, “Or, in our president’s words, do 9/11. Quite a flippant remark. But please remember the September 11 families live it every day, not just on the anniversary.”
Watch the video below:
On Tuesday, Biden spoke to reporters about his plans for the next day, saying, “I’m going up to my granddaughter’s birthday in New York.”
“Then we’re going to watch the debate, and tomorrow I’m doing 9/11,” he added.
Joanne Barbara did not limit her criticism solely to Biden’s comments either.
“It’s outrageous that our government could 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? It has been 23 years, and the families deserve justice and accountability,” she said of a since-rescinded plea deal that was offered to the alleged mastermind of the attack and his accomplices.
Under the terms of that agreement, Khalid Shaikh Mohammad and Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi would serve life sentences and not face a trial.
The White House later said it was not aware of the deal before it was offered, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rescinded it.
