Fact Check: Did Biden Visit Ground Zero the Day After 9/11?

On Monday, President Joe Biden commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks at a military base in Anchorage, Alaska. During his address, he claimed to have visited Ground Zero the day after the attacks. Is this true?

Biden’s Words: “I join you on this solemn day to renew our sacred vow: never forget. Never forget. We never forget. Each of us, each of those precious lives stolen too soon when evil attacked. Ground Zero in New York, I remember standing there the next day, and looking at the building. And I felt like I was looking through the gates of hell. It looked so devastating because of the way from where you could stand.”

Details: According to congressional records, then-Senator Biden was not in New York City on September 12, 2001. He was in Washington, D.C., attending a Senate session. Biden did visit Ground Zero later on September 20, 2001, as part of a Senate delegation. 

How the Media Covered It: Fact check outlets across the spectrum covered the claim and were in agreement that it was false. Newsweek (Center bias) connected the backlash to political attacks on the president, stating, “Republicans are focusing heavily on apparent gaffes by Biden as many argue that the 80-year-old Democrat isn't mentally fit for a second White House term.” The National Review (Right bias) included a quote from former U.S. House Rep. Tulsi Gabbard criticizing Biden for not commemorating the anniversary in New York City.