The widow of Gerald A. Barbara, a New York City Fire Department deputy chief killed on 9/11, offered harsh words for the Biden administration at a memorial service at Ground Zero in Manhattan on Wednesday.
“It is outrageous that our government would even consider granting plea bargains to terrorists,” said Barbara's wife, Joanne. 9/11 Memorial & Museum website, “Without the outcry from the 9/11 victims' community, who knows what would have happened. 23 years later, the families deserve justice and accountability,” he said.
She continued, “The elected officials here today offer our respect and tribute to the families of the victims of September 11th. In the words of the President, 'We're going to get through 9/11.' It's a flippant thing to say, but let's not forget that the families of the victims of September 11th experience it every day, not just on Anniversary. Finally, God bless those who are fighting illnesses since 9/11. God bless our first responders and military personnel at home and abroad. May God bless America and never forget.”
Barbara was referring to President Biden's comments to reporters on Tuesday about his plans to attend a 9/11 memorial in New York City on Wednesday. Biden had already left Ground Zero before her comments.
“We will continue to disrupt terrorist networks wherever we find them,” a White House spokesman said, referring to a statement released today by President Biden.
9/11 survivor describes terrifying escape from 81st floor of World Trade Center tower
FDNY Class A Dress Uniform Portrait Photo of Gerald A. Barbara. (9/11 Memorial & Museum)
In addition to the memorial at Ground Zero, President Biden is scheduled to visit the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to pay tribute to the victims and their families.
“In doing so, I also reflect on the incredible selflessness and courage of the American people. And as we mark this day, we should all reflect on what binds us together: the greatest privilege on earth, the pride and privilege of being an American,” Biden said in a statement.
On this day in history, September 11, 2001, the United States experienced the worst terrorist attack in American history.
People mourn outside St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on October 1, 2001, during a memorial mass for New York City Deputy Fire Chief Gerald Barbara, whose department lost 343 lives in the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton SS/JP)
A White House spokesman referred Fox News Digital to the Pentagon regarding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's earlier statements, but the Pentagon did not immediately respond to the request.
Austin rescinded the controversial terrorism plea agreement on August 2, New York Post.
“We will not succumb to terrorism,” Austin said in a speech at the Pentagon on Wednesday, “and in uncertain times, our compass remains the Constitution.”
According to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Gerald “Jerry” Barbara loved baseball, and in this photo, he can be seen wearing a New York Yankees jersey. (9/11 Memorial & Museum)
Gerald A. Barbara, 53, served as emergency commander at Tower 2 of the World Trade Center and died after the attack. He had been with the FDNY for 31 years, according to a biography written by his wife for the NYPD. National Fallen Firefighters Foundation website.
The couple were married for 30 years and had two children.
A baseball game badge honoring FDNY Deputy Chief Gerald A. Barbara (9/11 Memorial & Museum)
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“Jerry was a devoted father, husband and best friend,” Joan wrote. “There was so much more to his life than his work with the fire department. He loved being with his family. His children were his greatest pride and he was so proud of their accomplishments. He worked and studied hard to give them a better life.”
