UPDATE: President Donald Trump is making headlines tonight as he attends the New York Yankees game to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Earlier today, Trump honored the victims at the Pentagon, setting the stage for a night of remembrance and heightened security in the Bronx.
Trump is expected to mingle with Yankees players, including a visit to the locker room, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Boone expressed excitement over the visit, stating he hopes to “interact for a few minutes” with the former president.
Security measures have been drastically increased ahead of Trump’s appearance, especially following the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah just yesterday. Enhanced protocols moved the Pentagon ceremony indoors for safety reasons.
Yankee Stadium is no stranger to security protocols during presidential visits. Attendees are advised to arrive early, with gates opening three hours prior to game time. Long lines are already forming, and fans are strongly urged to leave bags at home to expedite security screenings.
“The fact that he’s gonna be here, it’s something that I’m excited to be a part of,” Boone added.
As part of the tribute, Yankees fans will participate in singing “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch, a tradition they have upheld since the attacks. The game against the Detroit Tigers is set to be a poignant moment for both players and fans.
Security at the stadium has been reinforced with metal detectors and Secret Service agents, some accompanied by sniffer dogs. NYPD helicopters are patrolling the skies above, ensuring a safe environment for all attendees.
This marks Trump’s eighth major sporting event since returning to the White House in January, following appearances at the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, and the US Open. His presence at Yankee Stadium is historic, being only the third time a sitting president has attended a game there, following George W. Bush in 2001 and Warren G. Harding in 1923.
In a show of solidarity, the Yankee Stadium scoreboard prominently displays a large MLB logo over an American flag, accompanied by a red, white, and blue ribbon with the inscription: “September 11, 2001, We Shall Not Forget.” Additionally, flags throughout the stadium have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Kirk.
As the game progresses, fans and attendees will be reminded of the significance of this day, creating an emotional atmosphere both on and off the field. Trump’s visit is not just a political statement; it resonates deeply with the many individuals affected by the events of September 11.
Stay tuned for updates on the game and the ongoing security measures as we witness this momentous occasion unfold.
