New York Governor Kathy Hochul departed early from the ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center site on Friday. The event, held at the Ground Zero reflecting pool in Lower Manhattan, included the reading of the names of the 2,977 victims who died in the attacks, as well as the six individuals killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Hochul left the gathering just before 11 a.m., while family members of the victims were still reciting the names. She subsequently participated in an interview on CNN with anchor Wolf Blitzer. During the interview, Hochul reflected on the emotional impact of the ceremony, noting that she had offered condolences to numerous families and encountered children who never had the chance to meet their grandparents lost on that day. “It’s a hard time for New Yorkers, but we really do come through in the toughest of times together,” she said.

The governor, who is pursuing re-election in 2024, joined other officials and survivors at the annual memorial to honor those who perished in the attacks. The ceremony featured moments of silence, reading of names, and other tributes to mark a somber milestone in the city’s history. The 9/11 anniversary events continue to serve as a solemn reminder of the tragic losses and resilience of New York City and the nation.