Former President Donald Trump attended a New York Yankees game on Thursday evening, marking the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The event at Yankee Stadium saw a mixed reception, with some spectators booing while others chanted 'USA! USA!' in support. Trump was seated behind bulletproof glass, a security measure following the recent fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Earlier in the day, Trump spoke at a Pentagon ceremony commemorating 9/11, where he addressed Kirk's murder. Kirk, a 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a campus visit at Utah Valley University. Trump described Kirk as 'unique' and called the shooter an 'animal,' adding that he had an 'indication' of the motive but would disclose details later.
At the stadium, Trump visited the Yankees' locker room, speaking to players including Aaron Judge, whom he praised as an 'unbelievable player.' He encouraged the team, saying, 'You're gonna win, I tell you what. You're going to go all the way.' The president was accompanied by four Republican members of Congress from New York: Representatives Nicole Malliotakis, Nick LaLota, Elise Stefanik, and Mike Lawler.
Vice President JD Vance, who was originally scheduled to attend New York's 9/11 commemoration, instead flew to Utah to accompany Kirk's body back to Arizona. The murder has sparked widespread reaction, with many conservatives eulogising Kirk while some progressives criticised his past remarks. Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan questioned a New York Times column praising Kirk, citing Kirk's previous call for Hasan's deportation.
