September 11: We Remember

Today, John Robert Badger extends his deepest sympathy to the families of those killed on September 11, 2001, and honors the survivors, first responders, rescue and recovery workers, members of the military and communities whose lives were forever changed.

The terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda killed 2,977 people in New York City, at the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Every number represents a person, a family and a future interrupted. The effects also continued through illnesses suffered by people who worked at and lived near the attack sites.

Remembering courage and national unity

Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical workers, military personnel, public employees and ordinary civilians responded with courage. Across the country, Americans gave blood, offered shelter, supported grieving families and stood beside neighbors. That shared humanity remains part of the nation’s obligation today.

Justice under law

The United States spent years investigating the attacks and pursuing al-Qaeda. Osama bin Laden, who led the organization responsible for the attacks, was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan in May 2011. National security also requires the continuing work of intelligence professionals, law-enforcement officers, diplomats, service members and international partners.

Security must remain subject to law. Protecting the country does not require abandoning due process, equal protection, religious liberty or oversight. Government can confront genuine threats while rejecting collective blame against people because of their race, nationality or faith.

Leadership must be challenged constitutionally

Badger has expressed serious disagreement with the direction of the current administration and says Americans deserve leaders prepared to challenge official decisions. Political disagreement, however, is not equivalent to the September 11 attacks. Presidents and other officials must be challenged through elections, congressional oversight, lawful investigation, public records, independent courts and constitutional processes.

A remembrance of terrorism should not become a claim that an elected official is a terrorist. The lasting lesson is that national power must be effective, accountable and restrained by law.

Transparency and the Epstein records

Badger also calls for continued public accountability concerning the Jeffrey Epstein investigations. The Department of Justice reported in January 2026 that it had published nearly 3.5 million pages under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, along with thousands of videos and images. DOJ maintains a public Epstein Library, and the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General announced an audit of compliance with the law.

A lawful transparency policy should require a complete inventory, independent review of permissible withholdings and disclosure of releasable material while protecting victims, excluding child sexual-abuse material and respecting valid court orders, active investigations and legally recognized privileges. Appearing in a document, photograph, address book or flight record does not by itself prove criminal conduct. Arrests and prosecutions require admissible evidence, probable cause, due process and decisions by authorized investigators and prosecutors.

The duty that remains

September 11 is a day to remember loss, honor service and recommit to protecting the country. It is also a reminder that fear can test constitutional values. America’s strength depends on defending both its people and the principles that give public power legitimacy.

Badger’s stated position is that national security, government transparency and political accountability must proceed together, under law and without turning grief into hatred.

This memorial publication distinguishes verified history, attributed political opinion and proposed policy. It does not equate political disagreement with terrorism, allege that a person committed a crime merely because a name appears in released records, or advocate disclosure that would expose victims or violate law.